LEARN ABOUT BIKE SAFETY

know the illinois bike laws

helmet ratings

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Pre-ride Safety Check

• Watch a 2-minute Pre-ride Safety Check video on YouTube, presented by The Bike Rack
  

Basic Bicycle Safety Equipment

1. Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride. Wearing a helmet can reduce the severity of head and brain injuries.

2. Use reflective tape, gear, or accessories at night to be as visible as possible.

3. Carry a tire pump, tire levers, patch kit, and spare tube.

4. Carry water or a sports drink using a water bottle holder (often called a cage).

5. Equip your bike with a white front headlight as well as a red rear reflector and/or light for riding in twilight, darkness, and poor weather conditions. (Legally required in Illinois.)

6. Carry identification, pertinent medical information (insurance card) and emergency contacts. Consider a Road ID wrist band, shoe ID or other available options.

7. Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency and to document issues.  Carry a spare external battery in case the phone battery dies.

8. Use shatter-resistant protective eyewear.

Helpful Equipment

9. Wear bicycling gloves to protect your hands in the event of a crash.

10. Install a mirror on your handlebar, helmet, or glasses to improve your overall awareness and to see trailing vehicles and riding companions.

11. Carry a lock to secure your bike.

12. Wear reflective leg bands to keep long pants away from your chain.

13. Carry a bag under your saddle, on your rack (panniers), or on your back.

14. Install a bell or horn to warn others of your approach, especially on trails.

15. Carry a multi-tool to help with basic repairs. A crescent wrench is helpful with certain bikes.

Medical

• Carry sunscreen

• Carry bandages or a small first aid kit

• Carry medications, such as Benadryl in case of a bee sting

• Carry nutrition, such as high-energy food sources (granola bars, nuts) or glucose tablets to avoid low sugar levels

• Carry electrolyte water mixes or tablets or salt tablets

COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL

CYCLING RULES

GENERAL CYCLING RULES:

• Obey the Illinois Rules of the Road.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate.
• Riders must wear helmets.
• Riders should carry an extra tube and method for inflation.
• Bicycles must be in good mechanical working order.
• Rear lights strongly recommended during day; front/rear lights required when riding in or into dawn, dusk and night.
• Personal radios and music loudspeakers are not permitted.
• TT bikes (aero bars) are allowed on group rides; however, they are not allowed in a pace line.
• Electric bikes are allowed on group rides; it is the ride leader's decision whether to allow the eBike into a pace line.
• Ride no more than 2 abreast (if safe to do so).
• Ride as far to the right as is safe. Ride to the left of the white line to be considered on the road.
• When stopped, move completely off the road.
• Move to single file on busy streets.
• Pedal smoothly, be predictable, pay attention.  
• For gravel rides, 32mm+ tires are recommended.
• Carry identification and your emergency contact information.
• A ROAD iD is recommended to list emergency contacts and/or medical conditions. 

DRAFTING PROTOCOLS (ADVANCED CYCLISTS):

• Always communicate what you are going to do.
• Ride a comfortable distance behind the wheel in front of you.
• Maintain a steady speed
• Never slam on the brakes!
• If riding in a double pace line, break off the front in opposite directions.
• Aero bars are not allowed in pace lines (less steering control); they must ride in the back.