When the weather is beautiful and the Central Coast views beckon, biking becomes an irresistible way to navigate the Cal Poly campus. And it's important to prioritize safety while enjoying your rides. In honor of National Bike Month in May, here are some valuable bike safety tips to keep in mind on your rides to campus and around town.
- Gear Up: Helmets aren't just a fashion statement, but vital protective gear. Never get on your bike without one, no matter how short the ride.
- Be Seen, Be Safe: Show courtesy to yourself and others by riding with bike lights in the dark. It’s also the law! At night, equip your bike with red reflectors on the back and white reflectors on the front and side pedals.
- Tune in to the Road: If you enjoy riding to your favorite tunes, ensure you stay aware of your surroundings. State law prohibits covering both ears with earplugs or a headset while biking. Keep one earbud out to stay connected to the sounds of the road.
- Lock It Right, Keep It Yours: Bike theft is an unfortunate reality, even at Cal Poly. Invest in heavy-duty U-locks for enhanced security. They're tougher to break than flexible wire locks, helping keep your bike safe and sound.
- Keep Them Safe and Secure: Use designated bike racks or lockers to keep your bike safe and secure. To ensure ADA accessibility of sidewalks and to keep a clear path for pedestrians, bikes may get impounded if locked to poles or things other than bike racks.
- Play by the Rules: As a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as any vehicle driver. Failure to follow traffic laws can result in being stopped and cited. Respect stop signs, ride with traffic flow and make sure your brakes are in proper working condition.
- Stay Alert, Avoid Accidents: Use your common sense and maintain vigilance on the road. Be cautious around driveways, navigate tight corners carefully, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and keep an eye out for fellow students. Prioritize safety in every situation.
By following these essential bike safety tips, you'll be well-equipped to ride and thrive on the Cal Poly campus. From wearing helmets and locking your bike securely to following traffic laws and using common sense, these guidelines will help you stay safe while enjoying the convenience and freedom of biking. So, ride smart and relish the joys of bypassing parking lots and traffic jams. Happy Bike Month and safe riding all year long!