Rules for the Road
 Obey All Traffic Laws
Bicycles are vehicles and must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals. It can be tempting to ignore traffic rules, but this is when most crashes occur.
 Ride With Traffic
Always ride on the right side of the road. Do not pass motorists on the right. If you approach an intersection with a right turn lane and intend to continue straight, ride in the through lane with traffic.
 Signal All Turns
Look back before you make a lane change or turn. Signal safely in advance using one of these signals.
 Making Left Hand Turns
You may turn left as a vehicle (1) by moving into the left side of the travel lane (or left turn lane). OR Cross like a pedestrian (2) by stopping, dismounting, and walking across crosswalks.
 Always Ride With Lights at Night
Maine State Law requires a headlight and rear red reflectors visible from at least 500 feet when riding at night. Flashing tail lights and light colored and/or reflective clothing are highly recommended. See and be seen!
Other Important Tips
Watch for Animals
Animals are often excited by the movement of bicycles. Always yield to horses. Most unleashed dogs are not dangerous. Simply stopping may halt their chase. Squirting water and a forceful "NO!" also work well.
Use Care at Rail Crossings
Always cross train tracks at right angles and avoid drain grates to prevent your front wheel getting pulled down.
Don't Swerve Between Parked Cars
Ride in a predictable manner by proceeding in a straight line.
Make Eye Contact
The best way to communicate your intentions with other drivers is to get their attention with eye contact.
Be Prepared for Weather Conditions
If it's raining, allow yourself extra distance to stop. If it's clear, use ample sunscreen and drink extra water.
Anticipate Hills
Anticipate hills by shifting in advance.
Only Pass on the LEFT
Only pass on the left of other cyclists. Call out a friendly greeting to warn them.
Create Gaps
Create gaps in the line to allow space for passing cyclists or cars to advance.
Think For Yourself -- Fight Mob Mentality
When riding in a large group, the "strength in numbers" can be intoxicating. Remember that individual thinking and action is essential for everyone's safety.
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Riding with Others
Communicate With Other Cyclists
Let other cyclists behind you know when you approach hazards. Inform cyclists in front when you are drafting. Call out with a friendly greeting when you are passing. Do not shout "All Clear" at stop signs as each cyclist must take personal responsibility and obey traffic laws.
 Ride Single File in Traffic
Always ride single file except when passing others. Also, notify other bicyclists of approaching cars.
 Watch for Potential Hazards
Scan the road 100 feet ahead for hazards such as debris, tracks, drains or potholes. Allow time to maneuver around these hazards and negotiate with traffic. Avoid riding into an opening with traffic. Avoid riding into open car doors by giving yourself 3 or 4 feet.
 Warn Others When Approaching
Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians. Be courteous by warning others with a ring of your bell or a friendly greeting. Allow plenty of space when passing.
Signal Before Stopping
When you are preparing to slow or stop, indicate your intentions to others using hand and verbal warnings.
Pull Off Road When Stopped
If you need to stop for any reason, pull completely off the road to avoid obstructing other bicyclists and other road users.
Before You Ride
Maintain & Regularly Inspect Your Equipment
Be safe and keep your bike tuned up. Take it to a bike shop at least twice a year for professional inspection. Secure any loads tightly to a rack or trailer. Before every ride be sure to:
- make sure the brakes work properly and don't rub
- check tires and make sure they are firm
- make certain quick releases and other bolts are tight
Be Prepared
Always take along basic tools, patch kit, pump, a few extra dollars, and $.35 in change (for a pay phone). In addition to waterbottles, pack an energy bar just in case your ride lasts longer than expected.
Dress for the Occasion
Wear bright colors to be easily seen. Don't wear loose clothing and don't leave any laces or strings dangling or they may get tangled in the gears or wheels. Cycling gloves protect your hands and help reduce fatigue. NEVER wear headphones on a bike -- you need all your senses!
Wear a Helmet Correctly
 Helmets are required by law for anyone under 16 but everyone should wear a helmet to prevent head injury. However, if your helmet doesn't fit properly, it isn't likely to serve you well if you crash. Do the "Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test" every time you go biking. First, place the helmet on your head -- it should be level and snug. If it slides around you need to insert additional pads.
- Eyes -- looking up past your eyebrows, you should see the very edge of the helmet
- Ears -- the straps should meet right under your earlobes
- Mouth -- when buckled, the strap should be loose enough so you can breathe and insert two fingers between it and your chin, but tight enough that if you drop your jaw you can feel the helmet pull down on the top of your head
Ensuring a good helmet fit at first can take some time. Some helmets need minor adjustments every day, but usually only take a moment to adjust properly. If you have problems, your local bike shop can help.
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Sure you can balance that bicycle.