As students head back to school, many choose to ride a bicycle instead of taking the bus or getting a ride from an adult or older sibling. Biking is a great way to stay active and gain independence, but it also means more cyclists are sharing the road with cars during the busiest times of the day.
Back-to-school bicycle safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers need to stay alert for cyclists, and student riders need to follow the rules of the road and make themselves visible. When everyone does their part, the trip to and from school becomes much safer.
Expect to see more bicycles.
The start of the school year brings an increase in bicycle traffic, especially during the morning commute and afternoon dismissal. Students may be riding on neighborhood streets, crossing busy intersections, or riding through school parking lots.
Drivers who expect to encounter cyclists are more likely to notice them early. As you approach a school, residential neighborhood, or park, slow down and scan the road ahead for children on bikes.
Give cyclists plenty of space.
A bicycle may take up less room than a car, but cyclists still need space to ride safely. They may need to move around potholes, storm drains, parked cars, or other hazards without warning.
When passing a cyclist, move over when it is safe to do so and leave as much space as possible. The law varies by state, but three feet is often the requirement. Avoid squeezing by in the same lane or passing if oncoming traffic or road conditions make it unsafe.
Pay close attention at intersections.
Intersections require extra caution because drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are often moving in different directions at the same time.
A cyclist may be traveling straight through an intersection while a driver prepares to turn. Before making a left or right turn, slow down and make sure the cyclist's path is clear. Never assume a bicycle will stop or change direction unless the rider clearly signals that intention.
Look before opening your door.
Cyclists can also be seriously injured when someone opens a vehicle door directly into their path. Before getting out of your car, take a moment to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for approaching bicycles. Making this a habit can help prevent a "dooring" collision and gives cyclists the space they need to continue riding safely.
Tips for Student Cyclists
Young riders also play an important role in staying safe. Riding predictably makes it much easier for drivers to understand where you're going and respond appropriately.
Good riding habits include:
- Wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you ride.
- Obeying traffic signs and signals.
- Riding in the same direction as traffic.
- Using hand signals before turning when possible.
- Staying visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions.
Following these basic practices helps reduce confusion and makes cyclists easier for drivers to see.
Stay focused and avoid distractions.
Distractions affect everyone on the road, whether they're behind the wheel, on foot, or on a bicycle.
Avoid texting, holding a phone, adjusting navigation, or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road while driving or riding. Cyclists should also avoid wearing headphones that block surrounding sounds or looking at a phone while riding.
Staying aware of your surroundings gives you more time to react to changing traffic conditions and other road users.
Back-to-school season brings more bicycles onto the road, which means everyone needs to be a little more attentive. Drivers who leave extra space and watch carefully at intersections can help prevent serious collisions. Student cyclists can do their part by wearing a helmet, riding predictably, staying visible, and avoiding distractions.
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