Using Your Bicycle for Local Transportation

Riding a bike is a safe, legal and effective way to get around. Here are some information sources to help you to pedal visibly, predictably and legally:

Bicycle Maintenance Tips

For safe and successful travel, your bicycle should be in good repair and properly adjusted.

USU's Walkway Safety Policy

There are some restrictions on the use of bicycles on the walkways of the on-campus "pedestrian zone." And there is a permit required for bicyclists, in addition to the registration sticker for your bicycle.

The Motor Vehicle Section of the Utah Code

A section of the motor vehicle code specifically addresses some of these rights and duties. Here are a few highlights:

Cyclists have the same rights and duties as operators of vehicles.
Cyclists must "share the lane" with overtaking motorists only if lane width, pavement condition, traffic conditions and intended destination permit.
Cyclists must yield according to the law and signal before turns, lane changes, slowing and stopping. The signal is not required while the arm is required to control or operate the bicycle. [Signal before turns, not during.]
Cyclists must obey traffic signs and signals.
Cyclists must use a headlight at night.
Cyclists must have a rear reflector at night. [a rear light is recommended]
Cyclists using sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and must obey pedestrian rules when approaching, entering and using crosswalks.
Cyclists must use adjacent bike paths when available (41-6-87(3)). [Cache County has no bike paths adjacent to roadways]

The League of American Bicyclists - Effective Cycling Training Program

The League of American Bicyclists offers their Effective Cyclist training program in many communities to help bicyclists to understand and implement skills and techniques of riding safely in compliance with the laws. If you are interested in EC training, contact Bob Bayn about locally available workshops. Training is based on principles that are not well known to the non-cyclist, or even to the new cyclist:

The vehicular-cycling principle:

Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.

The 5 traffic-cycling principles:

Drive on the right side of the roadway; never on the left [Why not?] and never on the sidewalk [Why not?]. The traffic behind you does not pose a danger if you are riding visibly, predictably and legally.
When you reach a more important or larger road than the one you are on, yield to crossing traffic. Here, yielding means looking to each side and waiting until no traffic is coming.
When you intend to change lanes or move laterally on the roadway, yield to traffic in the new lane or line of travel. Here, yielding means looking forward and backward until you see that no traffic is coming.
When approaching an intersection, position yourself with respect to your destination direction -- on the right near the curb if you want to turn right, on the left near the centerline if you want to turn left, and between those positions if you want to go straight.
Between intersections, position yourself according to your speed relative to other traffic; slower traffic is nearer the curb and faster traffic is nearer the centerline.

The vehicular-cycling principle and the 5 traffic-cycling principles are quoted from Effective Cycling by John Forester, copyright John Forester 1976-1993, currently in 6th edition, published by The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press.

Evasive Maneuvers

Every cyclist should learn and practice:

shoulder checks - be able to check the traffic behind you while still maintaining a straight line. Some cyclists like mirrors to help with this.
quick stops - be able to stop as quickly as possible by using both brakes to their maximum effect. Practice easing your front brake when your rear wheel starts to skid. Try sliding off the back of your seat to move your center of gravity back.
quick turns - turn quickly by turning first in the wrong direction to set up the lean in the right direction. Practice this in a safe place.
rock dodges - a quick swerve around a small object in your path must be followed by a quick correction to continue on your way.

Practice these maneuvers so that they are instinctive when you need them for unexpected traffic situations and pavement defects. These maneuvers are taught and practiced in the introductory Effective Cycling class.

Special Warnings

You may come upon a variety of specific hazards from time to time. Watch out for these:

Gutter riding - if the curb is high enough your pedal might hit it on the downstroke and throw you to the pavement. Don't be a "gutter bunny."
Wrong way, unlighted bike riders at night - don't let them force you into overtaking traffic. Shout, stop or swerve toward the curb.
Evening Glare - Be extra alert when motorists drive in spite of reduced visibility due to windshield glare from the setting sun. Watch out for motorists turning toward the setting sun, too.
Loose gravel, snow, ice, water or oil on the road - all can cause loss of steering control.
Railroad tracks, drain grates, potholes, expansion joints and seams - all can deflect your front wheel and throw you to the pavement.
The Right Hook - a motorist misjudging your speed may pass you on your left and attempt to turn right, into your path. This may be prevented by staying farther from the curb, or spinning your pedals when coasting. Listen to engine noise of passing cars, and watch their front wheel for the first sign of their turn.
Motorists misjudging your speed may pull out from side streets in front of you or turn left in front of you. Your lane position, eye contact and pedal movement (even when coasting) will help assert your right and will help you to respond defensively.

If the protection of your skills, your equipment and the law fail you, a properly worn helmet may give your head a little extra cushion.