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Start Thinking Like a Cyclist. In many cases, this isn’t much different from thinking like a driver. The law in California gives bicycle riders the same rights and responsibilities as auto drivers. You must ride in a straight line if riding with other cyclists, blend in with traffic, indicate turns, stop at signs/lights and ride on the right side of the road.
Put Safety First. Buy a Snell/ANSI-approved helmet – then wear it. Check your bike for reflectors (reflectors and lights are required in California are required in California for riding in darkness) and other safety features. Your local bike shop can help you find the right equipment. Wear brightly colored clothing, especially if you bicycle at dawn or dusk.
Check Your Fitness Level. You may want to consult your physician to make sure you’re fit enough to ride. Talk to Your Employer. Your company may offer benefits for bicyclists, such as lockers to store your bicycle, shower and changing facilities, bonuses for bike riders and more. Ask your employee transportation coordinator (ETC) or human resources manager. They can also help you discover options such as where you’ll store and extra change of clothes or if you can.
Bike to Work! A great day to give it a try is Bike to Work Day, a day when people throughout the state will leave their cars at home and instead bicycle to work.
