A rise in new cyclists calls for a refresher on cycling etiquette. Planning to hit the road soon? When getting around metro Detroit, remember these few pointers for riding responsibly:
Go with traffic
If you’re road biking, going against the grain can be deadly. Going with the flow of traffic makes you more visible to drivers and makes it safer for them to get around you.
Know your local bike riding laws
A quick search for “Michigan bicycle laws” will tell you all you need to know about the legality of your ride. Failing to abide by the rules can result in a civil fine.
Make yourself known
Vocally and visibly, it’s important to make others aware of your presence. If you’re passing someone, let them know you’re coming with a loud “On your left/right!” Wearing bright colors when bike riding will also increase your visibility to other cyclists and drivers.
Limit headphone use
As important as it is to make yourself known, it’s just as important to be aware of your surroundings to avoid injury and accidents. This is especially important on mountain bike trails: Leave the headphones
at home.
Take care of the trails
If you’re mountain biking, make sure it doesn’t turn into off-roading. Going off the trail can widen the path, which can destroy local flora, as well as worsen trail conditions for others. Don’t mountain bike when it’s wet, either, as that also worsens trail conditions. And make sure you pack up any trash you bring with you on the trail and dispose of it responsibly.
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