Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Bike Sense Trail Etiquette

BIKE SENSE—THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL

• Whether you are walking, biking, jogging, or

roller blading, stay on the right side of the path

except to pass.

• Faster users must yield to slower users. When

approaching another user, slow down and give

the person plenty of space.

• Pass on the left. Clearly alert others before

passing. State law requires an audible warning

when passing a pedestrian.

Trail Etiquette

• Always look before changing positions on the

trail.

• Do not block the trail. If you need to stop,

move to the side or off the trail.

• Control your speed. Trails are not an appropri-

ate place for high speed riding. Respect other

trail users. If you feel frustrated slowing down,

the road may be a better place for your ride.

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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: