Bicyclists have always relied on streets and highways for most of their riding. In fact, cyclists led the campaign for paved roads in the early 1890’s, which led to the viability of that other new fangled invention, the automobile.

Today, bicyclists and motorists still depend on the same roads to get from place to place. Fortunately, bicycling on most City streets is enjoyable and safe if done properly.

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The Dallas Bike Plan is based on motor vehicles and bicycles sharing the road, and under Texas state law a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle, with the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles.

Though many beginning bicyclists are intimidated by motor vehicles, the secret to safe and confident riding is knowing how to become a natural part of the traffic flow. Riders should first gain confidence in basic bike handling skills, such as shifting gears, stopping smoothly, turning rapidly, and scanning behind quickly for overtaking traffic without swerving.

Empty parking lots and quiet residential streets are good places to practice these skills. It’s easier to learn basic traffic cycling techniques if you understand that most road users operate predictably, following the rules of the road. Riding predictably is essential if they are to use the road safely.

Remember, cyclists fare best when they act as, and are treated as, the drivers of other vehicles. The following tips can make your next bicycle ride safer and more enjoyable.

• Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, so that you will be where other road users expect traffic to be.
• Ride in a straight line, far enough out from the curb to avoid parked cars, gravel, broken glass, potholes and other road hazards.
• Don’t weave in and out of parked cars.
• Don’t be afraid to ride in the middle of your lane.
• Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists must obey the law and behave like other vehicle operators in order to be treated respectfully by motorists.
• Follow lane markings. This means turning left from a left-turn lane, and turning right from a right-turn lane. Improper lane selection and position is both dangerous and illegal.
• Use hand signals to tell motorists and other cyclists what you intent to do, and make eye contact with them. Cyclists should signal to be legal, to be courteous, and to protect themselves. Use all five fingers when you signal.

Use designated Bike Routes as often as possible. The Dallas Bike Plan Map, summarized on Pages 2-3 of this section, shows more than 300 miles of signed, on-street bike routes in and around Dallas.

Begin with low traffic streets in your neighborhood, and work your way up to the busier thoroughfares as you become more skilled and confident.

• Scan behind and yield to overtaking traffic when moving from one lane to another, or even when changing positions in your lane. A rear-view mirror is a great accessory for cycling in traffic, but looking quickly over your shoulder tells motorists that you are planning to change lanes.
• Be visible. Wear brightly colored clothing by day. If you must ride at night, use a bright headlight and tail-light, and wear white or reflective clothing.

Wear an ANSI or Snell approved bicycle helmet EVERY TIME you ride. Nearly everyone falls at some time, and wearing a helmet reduces your chances of head injury by 88 percent.

If you fall on your bike while at a stop, your head would be traveling over 25 mph upon contact with the ground. These tips are part of a proven approach to riding in traffic known as “Effective Cycling”.

Call 946-BIKE for more information. Each day, millions of cyclists take to the roads for fitness, recreation, and commuting. You can join them, but be safe.