Basics of City Riding

Cycling in the Fort Collins area can be very rewarding, but it's important to know the basics of city riding.

Want more information: Learn how to avoid common crashes »

VEHICULAR CYCLING

"Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles" ~ John Forester

RIDE SAFELY

• Ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid hitting a surprise open door. Don’t ride in the door zone!
• Ride far enough away from the curb or edge of the roadway to avoid hazards and debris
• Check, signal and move into the adjacent lane if there are hazards in a bike lane
• Take the lane before intersections and turns to assert your position on the roadway
• Take the lane if traveling the same speed as other traffic or if hazards narrow the usable width.

BIKE LANES/PATHS

Courtesy

• Yield to slower users, especially children
• Obey posted speed limits for the safety of all users.
• Get off the path when you stop.

Announce when passing

• Clearly indicate your intention to pass other users
• Warn other trail users in advance so you do not startle them
• Use a bell, horn, or say “On your left” or “Passing on your left” when passing

Yield when entering and crossing

• Slow down before intersections and when entering a trail from the road

Keep Right

• Stay as close to the right as possible, except when passing.
• Give yourself enough room to maneuver around any hazards.

Pass on Left

• Scan ahead and behind before announcing your intention to pass
• Allow plenty of room, about two bike lengths, before moving back to the right
• Do not pass when visibility ahead is limited

Be Predictable

• Travel in a straight line, except to avoid hazards or to pass.
• Always indicate your intention to turn or pass

Be Visible

• Wear brightly colored clothing
• Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there (but don’t always expect them to see you)
• Always ride in or near a travel lane
• Stay visible by riding where drivers are looking, i.e., do not pass on the right

AT NIGHT – CONSPICUITY

• Legally, cyclists must have a front white light and a red rear reflector and/or a rear red light
• A bright red [blinking] light is much more conspicuous than a passive reflector
• Make sure that your lights are visible to motorists, and not pointing up or down
• Clear obstructions from the back of the bike that might block the light

CRASH CHECKLIST

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRAFFIC CRASH

If you’re hurt in a traffic crash, don’t ride away or shake off what seems like a minor injury—you might find later that it’s worse than you thought. Instead:

• Call the police (911) If needed, get medical help immediately.
• Get the following information from every vehicle: driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, make of car, insurance company name and policy number.
• Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
• Get the police report number from police on the scene.
• Write down how the crash happened while it’s fresh in your memory.
• Keep (or photograph) any damaged clothes or equipment.

Also, if you’re a victim:

• Don’t get mad at the scene. Keep a level head so you can ask questions and take notes
• If injured, don’t move unless you’re sure you won’t hurt yourself more.

LOG A BICYCLE CRASH

We can collect data by logging crashes on fcgov.com/bike-report.

BICYCLE CRASH TUTORIAL

• A NHTSA presentation about bicycle crash reporting and enforcement.

REPORT AGGRESIVE DRIVING

Dial (*CSP) According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the definition of aggressive driving is:
"When individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property."

Police will need to know the following information when you are reporting an aggressive driver:

• Description of Vehicle (color, make, model, license plate state, and license plate number).
• Description of driver (sex, race, age, hair color, height, weight).
• Location of incident.
• Date and time of incident.
• What happened?
• Would you be willing to serve as a witness? If yes, you must give your name, address and phone number.

HOW TO AVOID AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS

• Get out of their way and steer clear of them on the road.
• Stay relaxed. Remember that reaching your destination safely and calmly is your goal.
• Don't challenge them. Avoid eye contact. Ignore rude gestures and refuse to return them.
• Give them the benefit of the doubt. Not all aggressive driving behavior is intentional.
• Don't block the passing lane, especially if you are driving slower than most of the traffic. Move over to the right lane.
• Dial #77 on a cell phone to report aggressive drivers or call your local police when you can.