CONGRATULATIONS!
Bicycling is an inexpensive and efficient form of transportation for
short trips around town. By riding a bicycle, you are helping
everyone by reducing traffic congestion, wear and tear on our roads
and the need for more roads and parking. You are keeping the air
clean and neighborhoods quiet, while saving petroleum. You are
improving your own health and well-being through regular exercise.
You have a right to ride your bicycle on Oregon’s roads, streets and
highways. Some basic safety principles will help you enjoy a safe
ride.
The four basic principles
Most bicycling injuries do not involve a crash with a motor vehicle.
Bicyclists are more likely to fall or hit fixed objects such as a mailbox
or a parked car. To avoid these crashes, follow PRINCIPLE #1:
maintain control of your bicycle. Never ride while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. DUII laws apply when you’re riding a
bicycle.
Most crashes with motor vehicles happen at road intersections and
driveways, where bicyclists and motorists cross paths. To avoid these
crashes, follow PRINCIPLE #2: ride on the right, with traffic, in a
predictable manner.
When motorists and
bicyclists collide, the
fault is about evenly
split between them.
Even if you ride
responsibly, some
motorists may not see
you. So remember
P R I N C I P L E # 3 : b e
v i s i b l e a n d r i d e
alertly.
Finally,
PRINCIPLE
#4: protect yourself:
wear a helmet to re-
duce the risk of head
injury in the event of
a crash.
You can ride safely on busy streets
by following some basic principles
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