Safety First

THE BAMA BIKE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA OFFERS A GREAT WAY TO ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS AND A QUICK, EFFICIENT WAY TO GET FROM PLACE TO PLACE. IN ORDER FOR YOU TO ENJOY YOUR BIKING EXPERIENCE AND STAY SAFE, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY GUIDELINES.

  1. Always Wear a helmet. It is extremely important to wear a helmet because it might prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall or collision. If you do not own a helmet, you can purchase one at the Outdoor Recreation office in the Student Rec. Center. Make sure that your helmet is the proper size and that you are wearing it correctly. The helmet should fit comfortably and should not tilt side to side when you move your head. It should sit on the top of your head, not the back or sides and the straps should be buckled adjusted properly to fit snuggly against your neck, but not too tight.
  2. Keep off the sidewalk. It is for pedestrians, so avoid riding your bike anywhere but on the road or in designated bike lanes.
  3. Ride on the right side of the road. If there are no bike lanes available, please ride on the right side of the road, as far right as you safely can and in the same direction of traffic.
  4. Beware of parked cars. A door might open suddenly, or a car might pull out into traffic right in front of you. Be prepared at all times to stop or move without swerving into traffic.
  5. Be aware. When entering traffic or pulling out of driveways or alleys, watch for cars and pedestrians.
  6. Think ahead. Anticipate others’ mistakes and leave room and time for defensive action. For example, cars or trucks making right turns might not see you so leave room to react safely.
  7. Yield to cars and buses. Even if you think you have the right of way, remember that a car is much bigger, faster, heavier, and harder to maneuver than a bike.
  8. Check the weather. Rain, fog and snow make cycling especially dangerous, so it’s best not to bicycle in bad weather. Similarly, avoid riding at night – it is harder for motorists to see you and harder for you to see potential hazards. If you must ride at night, use reflective equipment and wear reflective, light colored clothing.
  9. Use hand signals. Be sure to learn and use all hand signals. With your left hand signal every left turn (pause), right turn (pause), and stop (pause).
  10. Obey all traffic laws. When riding a bicycle, be sure to follow all traffic laws that you would follow in a car. They still apply to you on a bicycle and could potentially save your life.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY GUIDELINES TO ENSURE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE RIDE.   AGAIN, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.