Rules of the road

Biking in Flagstaff and on campus requires you to follow the rules of the road. Here are some to keep in mind for your safety:

1. Follow the same traffic laws as four-wheeled vehicles. This includes bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, quads, and motorized mopeds or scooters.
2. Skateboards and similar non-motorized devices. Not permitted to ride in roadways.
3. Ride with traffic. One in five accidents is caused by riding on the wrong side of the road.
4. Use bike lanes or paths. Whenever there is a bike lane or path use it otherwise stay on the road.
5. Check traffic before you make a turn. Always look back, signal, and re-check for traffic before turning.
6. Stop signs mean STOP. Bikes must completely stop at all stop signs and stoplights.
7. Don’t ride double. Exception: bicycles built for two (tandems) and/or a bicycle with a child carrier or trailer.
8. Don’t weave. Ride in a straight line. Be predictable.
9. Keep hold of your handlebars. At least one hand should be on the handlebars at all times.
10. Don’t follow too closely. Always keep a safe distance from the bicycle or vehicle in front of you.
11. Watch your speed. Arizona law states you must never ride faster than is safe. Conditions that may affect your riding and your ability to operate your bicycle safely include the number and speed of other bicycles/vehicles, the riding surface, your visual ability, and pedestrian traffic.
12. Watch for pedestrians. As a general rule on campus pedestrians have the right-of-way at crossroads.
13. Respect others. Walk, don’t ride, on pedestrian paths, lawns, side-walks, and crosswalks.
14. Use hand signals. Always signal your intentions.
15. Use lights and bright clothing at night. Arizona law requires front and rear lights when riding at night. Wear reflective and/or bright clothing to increase your visibility.
16. Take the lane. When there is no bike path, or when otherwise appropriate, take the whole lane of travel. You are more visible and less likely to get hit from opening doors or vehicles traveling behind you.