Let's be careful out there.
~ Sgt. Phil Esterhaus, Hill Street Blues

I’m concluding my series of Safety tips with the Ride SMART guidance from the Cascade Bicycle Club based in Seattle, Washington. Many of the safety tips I’ve covered in this series are included in these recommendations, bringing them together in one cohesive format.

Ride SMART

STAY ALERT

• Momentary inattention is the number one cause of incidents.
• Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and hazards (e.g. curbs, potholes, railroad tracks, glass, debris).
• Do not wear earbuds or use phones while riding.

MAINTAIN SPACE

• Move off the road or trail when stopped.
• Leave enough room in front of you to avoid other riders, vehicles and hazards.
• Ride at least four feet from parked cars, outside the door zone.

ACT SAFELY AND PREDICTABLY

• Wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Ride in a straight line.
• Stay right, pass left.
• See and be seen.
• Be courteous and a good bike ambassador.

RESPECT THE RULES OF THE ROAD

• Obey all traffic laws.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping -- if it is safe to do so. Show everyone around you what you are going to do before you do it.
• Single file is safer. Bicyclists have the legal right to ride two abreast and to take the full lane when necessary to give adequate space to ride safely. In most cases, riding single file is safer.
• Yield to pedestrians. They have the right of way.

THINK AHEAD AND TALK

• Scan ahead and anticipate what others will do.
• Tell others what you are going to do by saying: "Stopping", "Slowing", "Passing on your left". Announce "Broken" when the group becomes separated.
• Call out hazards such as: "Glass", "Sand", "Post". Use your outside voice.
• Do not yell "Clear" at intersections. Everyone should check for themselves.
• Cross railroad tracks at a right angle whenever possible. Warn other riders and plan your approach to ensure safe crossing.