Many bicyclists worry that riding on surface roads is confusing or dangerous. It doesn’t have to be either. Here are some do’s, don’t's, rules, and tips.
1. Make sure your bike is in good operating condition and safe for use.
2. Although there is some controversy about their effectiveness, most would agree that wearing a properly fitted bike helmet can protect your head from some injuries in an accident. In Virginia, local ordinances may require you to wear a helmet. Virginia Code § 46.2-906.1. Most organized bike rides and races require participants to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is no substitute for safe riding.
3. Generally, ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway. It’s ok to pass another vehicle on the left, to get into the left turn-lane to turn left, to move to avoid hazards, to move to avoid a lane or signal that requires you to turn right if you don’t want to turn right. Virginia Code § 46.2-905.
4. On a one-way road, you can also ride as close as safely practicable to the left side of the road. Virginia Code § 46.2-905.
5. A tip: don’t ride on the shoulder of the road, on the right side of the solid white line. There’s often glass and gravel there that’ll give you a flat tire. Plus, cars and trucks think you’re safely out of the way and may not give you the wide berth necessary to avoid clipping you with extended mirrors. Ride, instead, about 12-18 inches from the white line, in the travel lane.
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