Riding Tips for Cyclists

Bicycling is a fun and healthy mode of transportation that puts us in touch with our surroundings as we travel to our destinations. In North Carolina as in most other states, cyclists are vehicle drivers with a right to the road but also with responsibilities for interacting safely with other roadway users. These riding tips explain the legal requirements for cyclists and offer guidelines for preventing crashes and protecting yourself in traffic. Remember that motorists are more likely to see you and treat you with respect if you behave like a vehicle operator and communicate your intentions.

To review North Carolina laws concerning bicycles, click here to go to the Laws & Policies section of this website.

• Safety Tips
• Bike = Vehicle
• Basic Traffic Riding Techniques
• Bike Handling Skills
• Share the Road
• Wear a Helmet
• Dealing with Hills

Click here to download a 17x25 color General Safety Tips poster. (426 k, PDF)
(Printing this poster at 60% fits perfectly on tabloid size paper)

Streetwise Cycling — A Guide to Safe Bicycling in North Carolina
The purpose of the Streetwise Cycling guide is to explain the rights and duties of bicyclists, as vehicle operators on North Carolina's roads. Additional information on traffic riding, handling skills, and equipment is included to encourage more proficient riding. Click here to access this booklet in PDF format.