Always wear a Snell or ASTM approved helmet and make sure it's properly-fitted. While nobody expects to crash with a bicycle, in time, the laws of probability say you will. When you do, you must have head protection. Approximately 75% of all serious bicycle injuries are head injuries. Road rash and broken bones heal; brain damage is often permanent. Wearing a bike helmet is common sense.

Check and maintain your bicycle regularly. Keep it clean and make sure all nuts and bolts are tight. Your brakes must work, especially with the hilly terrain of Ithaca. If you're not into bike maintenance, most bicycle retailers offer checkups for a modest fee.

Deter theft by registering your bicycle and locking it when you leave it. Securely lock the front wheel, rear wheel, and frame to a stationary bike rack. U-shaped locks provide the most protection. Locks should be a minimum 5/16" case-hardened steel shackle with double-locking mechanism heel to toe. A heavy duty cable is second best. If your bicycle is stolen, you should immediately report the theft to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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Neon- and light-colored clothing and helmets help make you more visible. Reflective clothing makes you easier to see at night.

Night bicycling is not recommended. Almost half of the bike crashes that have occurred in Ithaca in recent years have happened at night or dusk with the cyclist not having lights or reflective clothing. If you choose to ride at night remember: a headlight, taillight, and reflectors are vital to your safety and required by law.

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The most important part of safe bicycling is predictability. The same New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws that apply when driving a car apply when bicycling. When you're on a bicycle, you're part of vehicular traffic--not a pedestrian. Stick to the roadway: cyclists fare best when they act, and are treated, like drivers of vehicles.

Drive your bicycle with traffic, not against it. Riding on the left-hand side of the road--which is illegal--is a common cause of crashes. It puts you in an unexpected position for motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Choose a lane position as far to the right as practicable and travel in a straight line. Leave enough room on your right to avoid car doors and to steer around obstacles. Don't weave in and out of parked cars. Move to the left side of the lane to make a left turn. Don't use crosswalks to get through intersections--unless you dismount and walk your bike.

Come to a full stop at all stop signs and obey traffic signals. Look behind you and use proper hand signals before making turns.

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Make eye contact with motorists. Motorists often find it difficult to see bicyclists. Never assume they see you. If you're in doubt of a motorist's intentions, be prepared to yield. Control your speed; watch for approaching vehicles turning left into your path. This is a common type of crash and can usually be avoided by an aware cyclist. When approaching an intersection, move into the lane of traffic to proceed legally and be more visible to cars from all directions. Signal your intentions.

Scan the road for hazards such as potholes and drainage grates. Identify hazards in time to avoid them without swerving into traffic.

Use caution when riding near buses. Never pass on the right, as you may get caught in the squeeze with the curb, or collide with passengers getting off the bus. Keep a safe distance behind the bus. Bus drivers are constantly scanning the roadway for hazards, but you may be in their blind spot if you're too close.

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