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Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Bike Sense Be aware , Wear brightly colored clothing , Turn on your lights , Consider increasing the strength of your lights , Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing

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BIKE SENSE—THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL

It is especially important to increase visibility to others after dark, atdawn, or dusk, or in bad weather, such as rain, fog or snow.

forks and rear stays, wheels, pedals, helmets, wrists and ankles.

Reflective bands or lights on wrists make your hand signals more visi-

ble. Reflective materials on your legs will also show motion, helping dis-

tinguish you from a stationary object.

Be aware

Be aware that lights and reflectors are primarily useful for traffic

coming from behind or ahead. Drivers coming from the side may

have trouble seeing you regardless of your lights. Reflective tape and

devices on the frame of your bike will allow you to be seen by others

from more angles. It is particularly important to increase your visibil-

ity in the dark or in difficult weather conditions such as rain, fog,

snow, dawn, or dusk.

Wear brightly colored clothing

Wear brightly colored clothing such as neon green, yellow and

orange, and/or wear a safety vest, day or night.

Turn on your lights

Turn on your lights, front and rear, whenever visibility is reduced.

Aim your rear light to the traffic behind you and aim your front light

on an angle for vehicles to see you and for you to be able to see the

road. You need to BE SEEN, and be able to see the road, as well.

Consider increasing the strength of your lights

Dual headlights will allow you to aim one toward oncoming traffic

and one at the road ahead of you. Make sure the batteries for your

lights are fully charged and consider carrying a spare.

Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing

Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing, including front

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Contents

Main Page Contents Forward Why Bicycle? Equipment Your Bike The right size bike and proper adjustments are important for both adults and children Page Regular maintenance and inspection are important for bicycle safety. Tires Fenders Lights and reflectors Proper tire inflation and chain lubrication will improve your comfort and performance Bell Regular maintenance and inspection Panniers (saddle bags) Tool Kit/Pump wrong right Visibility Position yourself where motorists are looking Do not pass on the right Be aware Wear brightly colored clothing Turn on your lights Consider increasing the strength of your lights Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing Bicycling & Traffic Skills NO Yes Gear shifting Hand signals Stopping Be assertive Ride on the right, Turning Think and plan your next 30 seconds When to take a lane How far to the right should you ride? Parked cars Intersections and turning lanes Road surface hazards Page Page Riding side by side Hazards Passing on the left Passing on the right Page Weather hazards Carrying children Traffic signals Because headphones obstruct your hearing, they should not be worn while bicycling. Headphones Bicycling restrictions Riding on sidewalks Riding two on a bicycle Riding on multi-use paths Appendices Who can you contact? Wisconsin DOT UW-Madison For regional bicycle issues and planning, contact: Madison Area Metropolitan Planning Organization City of Madison Dane County Public Transit Bus Bike Racks Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles Crashes Unloading Bikes Van Galder Bus Metro Transit Badger Bus Dangerous Traffic Violations Avoiding crashes A bicyclist riding at night must use a white front light and a red rear reflector Vehicular Status One Way Streets Wisconsin Bicycle Laws Lane Positioning Passing Bicycling at Night Use of Sidewalks Use of Shoulders Riding 2-Abreast Bicycle Security Two Minutes a Bicyclist Cant Afford to Miss Page Trail Etiquette The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Help Us Make Wisconsin a Better Place to Bicycle! Bicycling Resources and Advocacy THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES AND GROUPS SHOULD HELP YOU GET STARTED AS AN ADVOCATE: