Resident Services

Resident Services / Police Services

Bicycle Safety

Bicycling is a great way to get around as well as fantastic way to exercise. However, bicycling can be dangerous if you do not take the necessary precautions. Follow these tips to make sure you are safe:

• Protect your head – wear a helmet. Studies have shown that using a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85 percent. Select a helmet that has a snug, but comfortable fit.
• See and Be Seen – wear proper clothing. Wear clothes that make you more visible. Clothing should be light in color and close fitting to avoid being caught in the bicycle’s moving parts.
• Go with the Flow of Traffic – the safe way is the right way. You must obey the rules of the road. These include all traffic signs, signals, and road markings.
• Look Both Ways – be aware of traffic around you. Seven out of ten car-bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter a street or intersection, check for traffic and always look left – right - left. Walk you bicycle across busy streets at corners or crosswalks.
• Stay Alert – keep a look - out for obstacles in your path. Watch out for potholes, sewer gratings, cracks, railroad tracks, loose gravel, and broken glass.
• Beware the Dark Side – be caution when biking at night. If you have to ride at night, your bicycle must be equipped with a headlight on the front that emits white light from a distance of 500 feet, and a red rear reflector that is visible from 50-to-300 feet. Wear reflective clothing or materials, especially on your ankles, wrists, back, and helmet.
• Go off road – follow designated bike routes if available. Bicycle routes are marked by special signs or lines. Bike paths are special areas reserved for bikes.
• Fix it up – make sure your bicycle is adjusted properly. Your bicycle should be correctly adjusted to fit you; your feet should rest on the ground while sitting in the seat. Before using your bike, check to make sure that all parts are secure and working.
• Stop it – check brakes before riding – control your speed by using you brakes. If your bicycle has hand brakes, apply the rear brakes slightly before the front brake.
• Don’t flip your bike – wheels should be securely fastened. Check wheels before every ride, after every fall, or after transporting your bicycle to be sure that they are fastened and secure. Make sure that tires are properly inflated.

Protecting your Bicycle Against Theft
• Always lock your bicycle securely, whether you’re gone for a few minutes or a few hours. Use a U-lock, securing both wheels and the frame to a stationary object such as a post, fence, tree, or bike rack. For extra security, add a chain or cable with a good padlock.
• Record the serial number of your bicycle and keep it with the sales receipt and photograph of the bike.
• Mark your bicycle with an engraver to deter thieves and help the police in identifying and returning a stolen bike to the rightful owner. Use a unique number such as your social security number.

Police Division
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5150
www.ua-ohio.net