Page 14 - Delaware County Sheriff Annual Report

C Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Bicyclists 14 years of age ad younger are required
to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle. (Erie and Rockland counties require all bicyclists
to wear a helmet.
C Use a Bicycle that is Properly Equipped. New York State Law requires that your bicycle
be equipped with a warning bell or horn, coaster brake and reflective devices on front and
rear wheels, sides and pedals.
C Use Lights at Night. New York State Law requires the use of a white headlight (visible
from at least 500 feet ahead) and a red rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from
behind) when riding at night.
C Keep your Bike in Good Repair. Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly.
Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it
yourself.
C Wear Bright Colored Clothing, preferably neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors
whenever riding. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or
markings.
General Safety:
C Control your bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Carry books
and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack. Keep both hands ready to brake.
C Be on the Lookout for Hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves and
dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash.
C Never Operate a Bicycle while wearing Headphones, talking on a cell phone or text
messaging. Stop your bicycle when sending or receiving a cell phone call or text message.
C Sit on the Bike Seat, keep feet on the pedals and never carry a passenger on a bike unless
it’s a child in an approved safety seat. New York State Law requires it.
C Make eye contact with Drivers. Assume that other drivers don’t see you until you are sure
that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver who might pose a threat to your safety.
Rules of the Road:
The safest place for bicycle riding is on the street, where you should ride in the same direction as
motorists. Children less than 10 years old, however, are not mature enough to safely ride in the street.
Children under 10 should generally ride on the sidewalk. For all others:
C Go with the Traffic Flow. New York State Law requires bicycles to ride as close to the
right side of the road as you safely can, in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the
flow.
C Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the
street, obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings. New York State Law requires it.
C Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.