Gearing up for Bike Safety Month | PEMCO

May is official “Bike safety month,” and with the warmer weather of late spring comes the return of recreational biking season. In addition to biking for fun, more PNWers will also begin biking for their commute to work (we see you, Portland!) this month. 

As you dust off your bike, here are some safety tips to keep you and your fellow commuters safe. 

Follow the rules of the road  

True to its bike-friendly reputation, Portland offers ample resources to bikers in its Portland Biking Guide. Here are some of its stay-safe, stay-legal reminders:  

1. Use the bike lane or path, rather than vehicle lanes, when it’s available. Exceptions to the bike lane law include making turns and avoiding debris in the bike lane.   

2. Stay as close to the edge of the roadway as possible when riding on streets without a bike lane unless you’re moving at the speed of traffic. Maintain a straight line of travel without weaving in and out of empty parking spaces. Riding side-by-side with another cyclist is OK if you don’t impede the flow of traffic.    

3. Stop at lighted traffic signals the same as a car would. In 2020, rules were revised to allow bicyclists to treat stop signs and flashing red signals as “Yields,” provided it’s safe to proceed. Also, stop at all crosswalks when pedestrians show intent to cross or are in your lane or an adjacent lane.   

4. Use hand signals when turning or stopping. The law requires signaling 100 feet before the turn, unless both hands are needed on the handlebars to maintain control of the bike. 

Don’t forget the maintenance! Like our cars, our bikes will last longer—and keep us safer—when they’re maintained properly. Here are a few pointers to get you started:

Bike maintenance

1. Tire check. Check your tire pressure and refill any flat tires.  

2. Wheel check. No one wants to ride on wobbly wheels. Check the rims and spokes for any damage. If you see anything, schedule a check-up at your local bike shop.  

3. Lubricate your chain and check the derailleurs. Use a product specifically made for bikes, and be sure to shift gears a few times to evenly distribute the oil before riding. 

4. Change light batteries. Check your bike lights if you have them, being sure to check for corrosion that may have occurred over the winter. Consider adding flashing front and rear lights that improve drivers' ability to see you, even when you're riding in daylight. Also, consider a lighting upgrade. 

5. Test-ride your bike. If the brakes grab or anything seems off, it’s time for a tune-up at the bike shop. 

6. Check safety gear. Start with making sure your helmet has a proper fit. While helmet laws have changed, continuing to wear a quality helmet is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety. Also be sure to check your carry-along repair kit to confirm it still includes a small tire pump, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a bike multi-tool. (Trust us, you don’t think you’ll need one . . . until you need one.) 

Before you head out on your inaugural ride of the season, keep these general, "best practice" safety tips in mind:

Biking 101

1. Verify your route. If there’s construction or detours, you’ll want to look for alternatives. 

2. Ride with the flow of traffic, not facing traffic. Wherever possible, use dedicated bike lanes or opt for a trail.  

3. Check local laws. Road rules differ by municipality. Take the time to learn about your city’s laws and guidelines for cyclists. 

4. Register your bike on Bikeindex.org. This free database allows you to capture identifying details of your bike that can help you recover it if it’s stolen and make it easier for you to file an insurance claim. 

Are you looking for additional resources? Our community partner, Cascade Bicycle Club has classes available for all skill levels.