Cycling Safety The following recommendations are based on state law (California Vehicle Code), local ordinances, good cycling practice and common sense. When in doubt as to the correct legal action or maneuver to make in any given bicycling situation, remember as a bicyclist riding on a street or highway you have all the rights and are subject to all the rules applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle.
Show the Road Who's Boss We recommend taking a Bike Confident Course offered through the SLO County Bicycle  Coalition. They occur twice monthly and will provide you with the information and confidence you need to navigate the roads of San Luis Obispo. Check them out here.		Starting Out Begin with short trips, working up to longer distances; this will ease muscles into shape and allow you to become more comfortable on a longer trip. Spend a few minutes stretching your legs and body before a ride. Be Predictable Obey Traffic Signs and Signals: Cyclists must drive like motorists if they want to be taken seriously. Doing so is the safest behavior. Ride with traffic, not against traffic. When approaching a stop sign or red light, you are required to come to a complete stop (cease forward motion) and proceed only when safe to do so. Use “loop” Vehicle Detectors Many traffic lights in San Luis Obispo County are triggered by cameras. However, some will be triggered by traffic passing over buried magnetic “loop” detectors. You’ll recognize these by filled-in cuts in the road way. Ride over cut lines for best response. If your bike doesn’t trip the signal, wait for a motor vehicle to come up from behind or dismount and cross as a pedestrian. Some places in the City of San Luis Obispo now have Bike Signal Markings such as at Mill & California. Shown here: Watch Your Speed Observe posted speed limits and obey the basic speed law. Never ride faster than is safe under the existing conditions. Use Hand Signals Signal to other drivers; your movements affect them. Hand signals tell everyone what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy, and self protection.
Don’t Weave Between Parked Cars Don’t ride to the curb between parked cars, instead maintain a strait line. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic. Follow Lane Markings Don’t turn left from the right lane. Don’t go straight in a lane marked “right turn only”. Stay to the left of the right-turn-only lane if you are going straight. Choose the Best Way to Turn Left There are two ways to make a left turn. (1) Like a motorist: Signal, move into the left lane, and turn left. In a left turn lane, stay to the right of the lane to allow any motorists behind to make their turn on your left. (2) Like a pedestrian: Ride straight with traffic to the far-side crosswalk, dismount and walk your bike across. Be Careful When Passing on the Right Motorists may not look for or see a cyclist passing on the right. Watch for any signs that the motorist might turn into your path. Respect Pedestrians’ Rights Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. Don’t cross sidewalks via driveways without yielding to pedestrians. Be especially aware of pedestrians with disabilities. Don’t ride on sidewalks. Use the street, bike lane, or the bike path.		Be Alert Watch for Cars Pulling Out.Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don’t see you until they stop. Scan The Road Behind Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. A rear- view mirror can be helpful. Ride in a Straight Line Ride to the right of faster traffic in a straight line about a car door’s width from parked cars. Avoid Road Hazards Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, and ice. Cross railroad tracks at a right angle. For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals. Use Your Head All bicyclists 18 years of age and under must wear a helmet meeting CPSC or ASTM 1447 standards when operating a bicycle. Regardless of age or the distance of your bike trip a helmet is an easy preventative measure to reduce injuries. Always wear a bike helmet.