Biking Safely
Getting yourself and your bike ready
- Check air, brakes, crank, chain, cogs, quick releases and general operation before a ride
- Have basic tools: cell phone, tire pump, spare tire, tire levers, multitool
- Fitting your helmet: Level on head to be two finger widths above eyebrows, “V” below ears, two fingers below chin
- Dress for comfort considering the length of your ride and expected weather
- Bring water if out longer than 30 minutes
- Bring snacks if out 2 hours or longer
Bicycling Tips for Commuters
What bicyclists should know about sharing the road and commuting safely:
- Remember to plan your bike route by first driving it
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Maintain and inspect your bike before every trip
- Dress suitably at night and in bad weather
- Carry drinking water and a mobile phone
- Wear a correctly fitted bicycle helmet
- Use a front and rear bicycle light at night
- Take your place in traffic
- Ride predictably and visibly
- Know and follow all traffic laws
Rules of the Road
- The rights and duties of people operating bicycles on a roadway are the same as the rights and duties of the driver of any vehicle on the roadway.
- Any person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signs, signals, and markings. When dismounted, the bicycle operator shall obey all rules for pedestrians.
- A bicycle should only carry the number of people for which the bicycle is equipped with seats.
- Bicycles must be operated near the right-hand side of the roadway no more than two abreast.
- The bicyclist entering a roadway from an alley, driveway, or building shall yield to all traffic in the roadway and pedestrians in the roadway or on a sidewalk.
- No person shall ride a bicycle on a sidewalk within a business district. Whenever a person is riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, such person shall give an audible signal (such as stating “on your left”) before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
- Each bicycle operated during darkness must be equipped with a light and reflectors.
For more rules and tips, Visit the Ozark Greenways website for safety and education.
How to Commute Long Distances by Bike
Commuting long distances are not an issue for people willing to combine a bicycle trip with public transit. The Bus of City Utilities has bike racks on all buses. Loading your bike is easy with a step-by-step guide on their website. Simply ride to a bus stop, load your bike on an easy-to-use bus bike rack, and continue the next leg of your commute. In May, the Transit area participates the Bike, Bus and Walk Week. Free rides are available to bike riders who wish to incorporate the bus into their commute.