Can someone explain biking etiquette to me?

Question

I want to start riding my bike more, especially to the gym, but it's a few miles away, and I don't understand biking etiquette.

Am I supposed to ride a bike on the street, or sidewalk? What if it's a mountain bike? A kid's bike?

If I'm riding several miles, should I get a more "professional" bike? What are those and why?

If I ride on the sidewalk, what do I do with people around?

If I ride on the street, should I if I go too slow?

Thanks

Answer 1

Unless you're in 5th grade or less, ride in the street, with the flow of traffic. The general operating principle for traffic is that slower traffic stays to the outside (to the right in the U.S.) Since bikes are generally slower than autos,  they ride in the curb lane. Let cars go around you, but not if it means giving up your safety space, i.e. what you need for balancing, maneuvering around sewer grates, etc. In practice, that means the 3-5 feet nearest the curb are yours. Ride in a straight line as much as possible, so you're predictable. If there is a parking lane, stay well away from the parked cars - 3-6 feet, so that you don't get doored. Don't pass on the outside at stop lights - cars may be turning and you'll be in their blind zone.

If you're on a sidewalk, remember that there are no rules of the road on sidewalks, except one: pedestrians always have the right of way, no matter what. If there is an accident, it WILL be YOUR fault. Therefore if you are passing someone on a sidewalk, give a warning first, then wait to see what they do before committing yourself to a maneuver.

Answer 2

Definitely ride on the street, regardless of whether you are riding a road bike, mountain bike or kids bike.  You can get a "more professional looking" bike if you choose, as this will certainly make your riding more comfortable and help you to dramatically increase your riding speed.  Avoid riding on the sidewalk as you are increasing the likelihood of crashing with a pedestrian.  If you ride the street don't worry about your speed.  But do ride in a straight line, leaving enough room for yourself between the moving and parked vehicles.  Don't swerve in and out of parked cars as this goes against the "riding in a straight line" concept.  You have a right to be on the road with other vehicles, act like it.  Obey all traffic laws and be assertive, yet courteous (and smart) when interacting with other vehicles and drivers.  Hope this helps!  Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Always ride on the right side of the street (there should be a bike lane).

If there are people you need to pass, tell them what side you are on. (i.e. You are coming up on a person to their left: say, "On your left". They will move). If you need to turn left, stick you left hand out to signify the cars behind that you are turning that way (do the same for turning right.)  

If you want to stop, stick out your hand at a downward right angle. This tells the riders behind you to slow down so the do not crash into you when you stop.

When it comes to which bike yo want to use, it is whatever you feel the most comfortable riding. Different bikes have different features. Just go bike shopping and try a few.

good luck!

Answer 4

Don't ride on the sidewalk unless you've got like a mile of traffic behind you. Where I live a cop has given me a ticket for riding on the sidewalk before, he said I risked hitting people that were actually walking on it. You shouldn't have to get a more proffesional bike, just make sure reflectors are in good condition, if riding at night, check brakes to make sure they are good.

Answer 5

Good for you...getting in some extra calorie burning on the way to the gym!

You should ride the bike on the street...going with traffic. It doesn't matter which type of bike it is, but typically (depending of course on the laws of the area you live in) sidewalks are for walking pedestrians only.

Depending on how many miles you are riding, you may want to consider a road bike. Road bikes just move more quickly and are lighter. I ride a mountain bike, and have no problem riding 15 plus miles...all depends on personal preference, however.

You will be fine riding on the street, just stay to the far right. You should look up laws in your area just to check on using hand signals for turning, etc. Also, if you are approaching someone coming up in front of you, just yell out to let them know you are coming up...like "LEFT!" if you are riding up on their left, etc.

Good luck biking :)! I just started mountain biking recently and it's so fun!

Answer 6

K...where I come from...

You ride on the street.  I believe it's actually illegal to ride on the sidewalk (although, of course, people do it).  Doesn't matter what bike, although if it's a three year old kid...I'm sure the law doesn't matter near as much.

I heard a thing on the radio and they said that if you're going to be relying on the bike for transportation, you'll probably want to spend more (I think they said about $300), because...just like cars, you get what you pay for.  Plus, don't forget maintenance.  Mostly, just make sure the bike fits you and is comfortable and all that.

Sidewalk...well...if you're going to...stay on the right hand side and they stay on the right hand side (if you're going in opposite directions).  If you're going in the same direction, then just carefully pass.

Street...you don't actually ride where the cars are (the middle)...you ride closer to the sidewalk...the cars can still drive normally...you can bike.