Bicycling in Rockville
Bicycle safety is a shared responsibility between bicyclists and automobile drivers. To make roadways safe and efficient for everyone to enjoy, we all must do our part. Bicyclists should follow the safety tips below to prepare themselves for riding. This includes using equipment properly and following the rules of the road.
Please drive safely, bike safely and look out for each other!
If you have any questions about bicycle safety, please contact the Rockville Bikeways Coordinator.
The helmet should rest flat on top of the head, not too far forward or backward.
- Once the helmet straps are snapped together, there should be enough room to fit one finger between chin and strap.
- The straps should be snug but not too tight and should form a “V” under the ears.
- Replace the helmet if involved in a crash or other defects are noticed on the helmet.
- Always buy a helmet that fits now—do not buy a helmet to grow into.
Very important: Always take the helmet off when a bike ride is finished. Do not wear the helmet on the playground if not riding a bike.
Straddle the bike.
- There should be at least 1- 2 inches clearance over the center bar.
- Raise the seat so when sitting on the bike, the rider’s feet rest flat on the ground.
- Check the angle of the seat so it is not slanted too far up or down.
- Adjust seat forward or backwards for comfort.
Don’t Ride on the Wrong Side of the Street
Some people think they are better off riding facing the traffic. This is a dangerous error. Cycling the wrong way is a major cause of bicycle-car crashes. Always ride in the direction of traffic. Why is it dangerous to go the wrong way even on a quiet one-way street? Because pedestrians and motorists traveling on cross streets or pulling out of driveways will not be looking in your direction. If motorists don’t see you, they may hit you. Protect yourself, obey laws and never ride the wrong way!
Bicyclists are required to obey the same traffic laws as vehicles:
Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic.
- Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
- Signal before making turns.
- ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding. The law requires children under 16 to wear a helmet.
- Use a headlight and reflectorized safety equipment when riding at night.
- Wear bright colored clothing with reflective strips, particularly at night.
- Be sure your bike is in proper operating condition before each ride.
- Never ride against traffic.
- Watch for turning vehicles and vehicles exiting driveways.
- Watch for opening doors on parked cars.
- Ride on bike trails and streets with bike lanes whenever possible.
- Never ride two people on a bike.
- Never carry packages that can obstruct views or interfere with control of the bike.
- Teach children the rules of the road for their protection.
- Responsible bicyclists are involved in fewer accidents.
In Maryland, it is illegal to:
- Wear a headset or earplugs in, or covering, both ears while riding on a public highway (hearing aid devices are permitted).
- “Hitch a Ride” by attaching to any other vehicle operating on a public highway.
- Carry passengers unless the bicycle is equipped with a seat securely attached to it for each passenger.
- Carry any package, bundle or other article that prevents keeping both hands on the handlebars.
- Operate the bicycle in a reckless and negligent manner.
- Conduct or participate in a bicycle race on a public highway that has not been approved by state and/or local highway agencies.
- Watch for bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Yield to pedestrians. It’s the state law. Give them time to cross the street without rushing.
- When you stop for a light or stop sign, don’t block the crosswalk.
- Never turn right immediately after passing a cyclist. They may be moving faster than you think and you may hit them.
- Before turning right, always check for bicyclist in your right side blind spot by looking over your shoulder.
- Stop and yield before turning right on red.
- Pass bicycles only when you have a least three feet of clearance. Don’t crowd cyclists; wait until it is safe to pass.
- Never drive in a bike lane. You may cross the lane to park or enter a driveway after yielding to bicyclists.
- Be alert to bicyclists moving into your travel lane to avoid an obstacle or make a left turn. Slow down and let the bicycle in.
- Park within a foot of the curb, as the law requires, to protect yourself, your car, and other road users.
- Look for bicyclists before opening your car door.
- Be glad to see bicyclists and pedestrians-- each one means one less car on the road.
- We need to share the road.
- Please watch out for each other.
- Always lock your bicycle. It only takes a minute to be stolen. Keep it locked on porches or in backyards.
- Use a sturdy lock. U-shaped locks tend to work best. If you choose a chain or cable, choose the heaviest you can carry. For maximum security, use a U-shaped lock for the frame and one wheel and a cable for the other wheel. Don’t leave bicycles locked on the street overnight.
- If you lock only a wheel, you may be left with just the wheel. Make sure the bicycle frame is locked.
- Position your lock with the key mechanism down. Don’t position the lock close to the ground.
- Register your bicycle with the police so you have proof of ownership.
- Thieves can cut chain link fences, aluminum posts and small trees, so don’t lock your bicycles to them.
- To make parking easier, the City, in cooperation with local businesses, has installed bicycle racks designed to hold two bicycles. Please use them.
When riding off road, please follow the rules of the trail:
Ride on open trails only. Do not trespass on private land. Federal and State Wilderness areas are closed to cycling.
- Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Stay on existing trails and do not create new ones.
- Control your bicycle. Lack of attention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
- Always yield to others on trail. Show your respect when passing by slowing or even stopping.
- Give animals on the trail extra room and time to adjust to you. Sudden movement can be dangerous for you and others. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback rider.
- Keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions.
- When mountain biking, it’s best to ride on trails that are mapped or marked.
- Never litter.
In spite of all precautions taken, emergency situations can occur while riding. Stopping fast requires harder use of the front brake than the rear brake. This may cause you to catapult. To avoid an accident, apply both brakes evenly while moving back on the saddle and lowering your chest horizontally. As you move back and down, apply greater pressure to the front brake until it is about three times that on the rear brake. If you feel the rear wheel beginning to skid, ease off the front brake.
While bicycle crashes and injuries can occur, the severity of their impacts can be reduced with proper preparation. In the long-term, taking a course in first aid, especially CPR can teach you proper techniques for handling a medical emergency. The local American Red Cross and many local community organizations offer these courses. When riding, always keep a phone with emergency numbers with you.
If you or a friend has a bicycle wreck, it is important not to panic. Keep calm and you will be able to better help the person who is injured.
- If the person is awake, do your best to make the person comfortable.
- If the injured person is not awake or can not move, do not move that person unless it is absolutely necessary. Do not move anyone complaining of neck or back pain.
- If you do not know what to do, call 911 for help, or ask someone on the scene to get help.
- Keep the injured person warm and safe from additional injury until help arrives.
- Share the trail. Remember pedestrians have the right-of-way. All users should ALWAYS stay to the right of the trail. Bicyclist should pull off the trail when stopping.
- Pets should be kept on a leash. Please clean up after your pets.
- Carry identification with you name, phone number, and medical information.
- Carry coins for a phone call or take a portable phone for emergencies.
- Write or leave word of the direction of your travels.
- Travel with a partner- it is safer and more fun. Avoid unfamiliar areas alone.
- Do not wear headsets.
- Wear reflective material, not jewelry. Carry a whistle or other noisemaker.
- Use your intuition about a person or area. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers.
- When on the roadway, remember to ride with traffic, walk and run against traffic.
