May is National Bike Month, and there’s no better time to jump on a bike to save money and get healthy. Riding a bike instead of jumping in the car for short trips also helps keep our air clean.
Autos are the single largest source of air pollution in the United States, and short car trips are up to three times more polluting per mile than long trips. If you trade short car trips for biking, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 3.6 pounds of pollutants per mile. More bicycles and fewer cars means cleaner air in your community.
Here are five tips from the League of American Bicyclists Rules of the Road to help you prepare for safe, fun biking:
- Follow the law.
You have the same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
- Be predictable.
Make your intentions clear to motorists and other road users. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
- Be conspicuous.
Ride where drivers can see you; wear bright clothing. Use a front white light and red rear light and reflectors at night or when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with drivers.
- Think ahead.
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians and other bicyclists will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and utility covers. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
- Ride Ready.
Check your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly and quick release wheel levers are closed. Carry repair and emergency supplies appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.
Metro and Drive Less Save More have more free resources available to help you. Check out the websites below for biking videos, maps and how-tos.