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Pedal Ahead Safe Bicycling Tips

E-Bike and Safety Equipment Checklist

Before you head out, here are a few items you should take with you to help keep you safe on the roads.

  • Always wear your helmet.
  • Check tire pressure to ensure tires are firm.
  • Use your NiteRider front and rear lights at all times.
  • Wear your ArroWhere vest and other bright colored and reflective clothing at all times.
  • Have and use your bike lock if you are stopping for errands. Lock the bike through both the frame and rear tire, if possible.
  • Check the operation of your e-bike’s brakes and shifting.
  • Check that your battery level is sufficient enough to complete your planned ride.
  • Check that your e-bike’s handlebar and seat are as tight as possible with no movement.
  • Arm signals imply turning, stopping, or object in the road.
  • Use a Horn, bell or whistle.
  • Communicate your route to family, friends or roommate.
  • Have a bike tool kit (tire sealant)

Follow riding rules:

  • Obey the same traffic laws as motorists. Ride with traffic not against it. 
  • If with other cyclists, ride in a single file line. 
  • Steer clear of major highways/roads. For extra precaution, choose roads with bike lanes or bike trails.  
  • Make sure you know the proper hand signals before turning and changing lanes. Not sure of the latest hand signals? Check out the latest Hand Signal Safety Guide provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ‑ https://bit.ly/36hgVrz
  • Ride at a safe speed. 
  • Ride at a safe distance from cars, usually 4 feet. 
  • Don’t ride too close to the curb. 
  • Do not rush through yellow lights. 
  • Do not ride on sidewalks. 
  • While on bike trails with other pedestrians, announce your location loudly, “Coming up on your left” or simply “on your left”.
  • Use a bell or whistle when appropriate. 

Stay alert and be aware of:

  • Car doors opening
  • Cars making right turns from the left side of you 
  • Cars making left turns in front of you
  • Cars pulling out of parking spaces, alleys and driveways
  • Potholes/Puddles
  • Sewer grates/manhole covers
  • Litter/Broken glass
  • Oil/Sand/Gravel
  • Pedestrians/Children/Animals
  • Weather
  • And everything else … Stay alert!

***Remember to charge your e-Bike at the completion of your ride, this will ensure that you have plenty of battery power for your next adventure!