Grab some popcorn and watch a video

These Smart Cycling videos will help you understand how to ride safely, improve comfort, find the right bike and gear, and your rights as a bicyclist.

Additional videos can be found from the The League of American Bicyclists: https://bikeleague.org/ridesmart/ridesmartvideos/. Puedes encontrar estos videos en español en YouTube.

Equipment Inspection

There’s an easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order before hitting the road, dirt path or wherever you travel — it’s called an ABC Quick Check. Learn the steps and some additional tips to consider when riding an electric assist bike (also known as an ebike).

Air: Be sure you have enough air in your tires
Brakes: Look to see that your brake pads are not worn
Chain and Cranks: Pull on your cranks to see that they are not loose and look to see that the chain is not rusted and it is free of gunk
Quick Release: Make sure all quick releases are closed
Check: Take a slow brief ride to check that your bike is working properly

This video was produced with the generous support of DoorDash. Puedes encontrar este video en español aquí: https://youtu.be/yP6R3lxwXME

SIGNALING

You should always let others know when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping.

Communicating your intentions not only makes your ride safer, but it is also required by law in the United States.

Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side
Right Turn: Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat.
Slowing or Stopping: Extend your left arm out at a right angle with your hand open

SCANNING
Scanning is simply the act of looking over your shoulder.

Scanning successfully is a key part of riding anywhere—it’s an easy and safe way to communicate your intentions to others and it also shows you what is happening behind you.

At first, it will be difficult to scan and maintain a straight line. A tip that may keep you from pulling the bike is to remove the hand, from the direction you are scanning, from the handlebars.

Puedes encontrar este video en español aquí: https://youtu.be/le6Ii2_ISeA

Lane Positioning & Intersections

Most crashes between bicyclists and drivers happen at intersections. As a bicyclist, it is important to reduce your risk by being visible and positioning yourself clearly on the road. As a general rule, you want to be in the right-most lane that is traveling in the direction you are going.

Puedes encontrar este video en español aquí: https://youtu.be/JcTgdTf3XSI