OSU BICYCLE SAFETY TRAINING TUTORIAL

Ride safe, ride smart, and enjoy the great cycling here on the campus of Oklahoma State University!

OSU BICYCLE SAFETYTRAININGTUTORIAL

OSU Bicycle Safety Training Tutorial

Produced and supported by the following departments at Oklahoma State University:

Environmental Health & SafetyCampus PoliceSeretean Wellness CenterParking & Transit ServicesHuman ResourcesOffice of New Student Orientation

as well as the Oklahoma Department of Career Technology

A special thank you to Mrs. Ann Hargis

AUTHORS

Scott NuttFire Safety OfficerEnvironmental Health & Safety

Shawn GibsonBike Patrol OfficerCampus Police Department

Oklahoma State University

Bicycle Safety

This is a brief outline of your responsibilities as a cyclist on the roadways of Oklahoma.

The roadways on our campuses are no different than anywhere else in this state.

As a cyclist, you have responsibilities to yourself, to motorists you will interact with, and to pedestrians you are sure to encounter every time you ride your bike.


Bicycle Safety

Bicycle registration is mandatory under the policies of Oklahoma State University.

Before you can register your bike on campus, you are required to take this training course and complete a quiz.


“CYCLISTS FARE BEST WHEN THEY ACT AND ARE TREATED AS DRIVERS OF VEHICLES.”

-- JOHN FORESTER, EFFECTIVE CYCLING


Oklahoma Bicycle LawTitle 47 § 11-1201

Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Although not defined as a vehicle, a bicyclist upon a roadway shall have all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle operator.On the road you are not a pedestrian; you are considered a vehicle and must operate your bicycle in compliance with all applicable traffic regulations.



Bicyclists must obey all traffic control devices and signs, as a motor vehicle operator would.

You must stop at stop signs, yield at yield signs, and travel in the correct direction on the correct side of the roadway.


Bicycle Safety

Cyclists must obey all traffic control signs



A bicyclist upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe.

You make the decision as to where in the lane it is safe to ride. Ride as far to the right as you feel it is safe to ride—considering pavement, traffic, and weather conditions.



Bicyclists should use caution when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. No cyclist shall pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.You make the decision as to where in the lane it is safe to ride—as long as you are not between lanes, also known as “lane-splitting.”


Lane Placement

The cyclist in this image is riding between lanes of cars—also known as “lane-splitting.”

Squeezing through traffi c in this manner endangers you as well as motorists.


Lane Placement

When you ride in traffi c, control your lane by occupying it properly.

The driver in the bottom half of this image is making an illegal pass.

By occupying your lane properly, you will eliminate his opportunity to illegally pass you.


Lane Placement

Occupying your lane properly helps you avoid the bad pavement often found at the edge of your lane.

It also makes you much more visible to traffi c passing you in both directions.


Lane Placement

“A bicyclist upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe.”

This part of the law means that the cyclist has the right and obligation to determine the safest location within the lane to ride. Oklahoma State University

Lane Placement

One of the most common causes of bicycling injury is when a motorist “cuts off” or turns in front of the cyclist.

You can eliminate this hazard by maintaining a proper lane position.The legal responsibility for the drivers in this image is to yield to the cyclist and pass only when the way is clear and safe. Oklahoma State University

Lane Placement

When you ride in traffi c, ride in a predictable manner—just as you would if you were driving a car.When passing an open space between parked cars, do not change your lane position.



No vehicle may pass another vehicle on the right.

• Do not pass vehicles on the right, especially at intersections. Ride as if you were a vehicle.

• At traffic signals, wait your turn. It is illegal for you to pass other stopped vehicles to move to the front of the line.

• If you occupy a space next to a right-turning vehicle and are struck, you are at fault.



Signal your intention to turn, slow, or stop. When turning, you must signal continuously at least 100 feet before the turn and while you are stopped, waiting to turn, unless use of your hand is needed to control your bicycle.

Use hand signals to indicate left turns, right turns, or that you are slowing or stopping.


Hand Signals

Left Turn

(Left hand extended)


Hand Signals

Right Turn

(Right hand extended)

Or…Oklahoma State University

Hand Signals

Right Turn

(Left hand raised)


Hand Signals

Slowing orStopping

(Left hand extendedbelow hips)


Hand Signals

Hand Signals

Hand Signals

Hand Signals


A bicycle used at nighttime must be equipped with a headlamp and rear red reflector. A lamp emitting a red light may be used to supplement the rear reflector.

If drivers are unable to see you on the road after dark, they will be unable to avoid you. If you ride at night, use a light!


If you ride at night…

…use a light!


If you ride at night…

…use a light!The best way to protect yourself while riding between dusk and dawn is to equip your bike with head and tail lights.


Peaceful Coexistence…

…with PedestriansSidewalks on the OSU campus were developed for foot traffic—not cyclists.

There is often too little space for pedestrians and cyclists to share.

Ride on the roadways practicing good riding behavior as much as you can. Ride on the sidewalks only when you have no other alternative.



…with PedestriansWhen cyclists encounter pedestrians, they should be courteous and announce their presence and their intentions with catchy phrases such as:

•“Passing”•“On your left”•“Heads Up”



…with PedestriansThe courteous approach to these encounters may well prevent serious injury to pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Slow down—being courteousto a pedestrianwill not make youlate to class.


Why Wear a Bicycle Helmet?


Riding without a bicycle helmet significantly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders.

Protect your thought process—always wear a helmet when you ride your bike—Always!

How a Helmet Works


A proper helmet is lined with rigid crushable foam or some other constant-load shock absorber.

When it hits the pavement, the helmet’s shell stops quickly; but because of the crushable foam, the head inside has more time to stop. This prevents banging the brain against the inside of the skull.

http://www.norcalblogs.com/bullfight/archives/bikecrash.jpg

How a Helmet Works


Protect your thought process—always wear a helmet when you ride your bike—Anywhere!

Why Wear A Bicycle Helmet?


These statistics do not lie!

Protect your thought process—always wear a helmet!

Don’t Let This Happen to You!


1. Ride smart—choose your lane positioning based upon immediate conditions.

2. Ride predictably and signal your intentions.

3. Obey all traffic signs and ride on the correct side of the road.

4. Be courteous; yield to pedestrians, announce your presence and intentions.

5. If you ride at night, use a light!

6. Protect your thought process—always wear a helmet.

Thanks for viewing the OSU Bicycle Safety Tutorial.Now proceed to your exam.

When you have completed your exam, you may register your bicycle at the Parking & Transit office located at the corner of Monroe & Hall of Fame Avenues.

Remember—Ride Safe!


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OSU BICYCLE SAFETY TRAINING TUTORIAL