Safety, Theft, and Crashes

Safety

While infrastructure improvements are the best way to ensure safer cycling in cities, it’s important to remember that we still need to take personal safety precautions as the bike network continues to be built out. The City of Cambridge has published a Street Code which has information about the rules and etiquette of the road. They have also published an extensive guide about tips for getting around safely on bike

Below are some brief tips for staying safe:

• Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings and always ride defensively to avoid accidents.
• Be Visible: Use bike lights, reflectors, and wear bright clothing to improve visibility, especially at night.
• Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet helps protect your head in case of a fall or crash.
• Follow the Rules: Obey all traffic laws, including signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules.
• Yield to Pedestrians: Slow down and give pedestrians the right of way, especially in crosswalks.
• Avoid Blind Spots: Stay clear of large vehicle blind spots, particularly at intersections.
• Avoid Door Zones: Ride far enough from parked cars to avoid being hit by opening doors.
• Bike Maintenance: Regularly check your brakes, tires, and chain to ensure your bike is in good working order.