Remember These Rules Of the Road when Bike Riding

Here鈥檚 a refresher on cycling etiquette
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bike riding
Photo: IStock

A rise in new cyclists calls for a refresher on cycling etiquette. Planning to hit the road soon? When getting around metro Detroit, remember these few pointers for riding responsibly:

Go with traffic

If you鈥檙e road biking, going against the grain can be deadly. Going with the flow of traffic makes you more visible to drivers and makes it safer for them to get around you.

Know your local bike riding laws

A quick search for 鈥淢ichigan bicycle laws鈥 will tell you all you need to know about the legality of your ride. Failing to abide by the rules can result in a civil fine.

Make yourself known

Vocally and visibly, it鈥檚 important to make others aware of your presence. If you鈥檙e passing someone, let them know you鈥檙e coming with a loud 鈥淥n your left/right!鈥 Wearing bright colors when bike riding will also increase your visibility to other cyclists and drivers.

Limit headphone use

As important as it is to make yourself known, it鈥檚 just as important to be aware of your surroundings to avoid injury and accidents. This is especially important on mountain bike trails: Leave the headphones
at home.

Take care of the trails

If you鈥檙e mountain biking, make sure it doesn鈥檛 turn into off-roading. Going off the trail can widen the path, which can destroy local flora, as well as worsen trail conditions for others. Don鈥檛 mountain bike when it鈥檚 wet, either, as that also worsens trail conditions. And make sure you pack up any trash you bring with you on the trail and dispose of it responsibly.听