Follow These Five Traffic Laws to Bike Safely!

1. Wear your noodle protector.
Huh? Well some people call this a helmet. Check you local traffic law, as wearing a helmet may be a requirement (especially for those under 16 years of age.) Armoring yourself with a properly fitted, top quality helmet is nothing short of crucial. Head in to your local bike shop and ask the experts to help you buy this essential piece of equipment. Once you've got it, wear it. Every ride, no exceptions.

2. Go with 'da flow.
You should ride with the flow of traffic, on the right-hand side of the road, especially when traveling at speeds less than that of traffic. If a bike lane is offered, use it. If no bike lane exists, then ride as close to the right side of the roadway as is reasonably safe. This means leave enough room to maneuver around hazards such as broken glass and road pizza. And stay off the sidewalks. Traffic Law in most areas considers this practice illegal.

3. Turns and stops.
Turns and stops require a bit of forethought, and lots of practice. So conquer these skills while riding in a vacant parking lot, or on an isolated road before you head out into traffic. When making a left turn, fully extend your left arm out to your side, so that it is in line with your shoulders. When making a right turn, extend your left arm out to your side, so that it is in line with your shoulders, and bend your arm up at the elbow, forming a 90-degree angle. Your fingers will be pointing toward the sky. When stopping, or slowing considerably, follow the directions for making a right turn, but bend your arm down at the elbow, forming a 90-degree angle. Your fingers will be pointing toward the ground. Signaling well in advance of movement will help give those around you time to react safely.

4. Tunes end in tragedy.
Listening to your favorite track on your iPod might get you all fired up, but is it worth landing in the ER? Being aware of your surroundings is perhaps the most important aspect of safe cycling. Hampering one of your most valuable senses for the sake of a couple good tunes is just plain dim-witted. And did we mention it's illegal in most states?

5. After the sun goes down.
Riding at dawn, dust, or at night demands special preparation. Traffic law requires that your bike is outfitted with reflectors, and a headlight affixed to the center of your handlebars. For extra precaution, wear reflective clothing, or at minimum, a reflective strip around your torso.

It's a fact. Every time you get behind your bars, there's a possibility you'll be involved in an accident. But understanding and obeying traffic laws may help you avoid spoiling that sweet ride with a trip to the ER. If you have any questions about the traffic laws in your area, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov and search for links to your state.