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Bicycle Safety
Protect Your Bicycle From Theft
Maintain Your Bicycle Properly
- Keep a record of your bicycle serial number, which you can usually find on the frame between the pedals.
- If your bicycle doesn’t have a serial number, mark your bicycle where your serial number would normally be by engraving your initials or a four-digit number of your choice.
- Since most bikes get stolen because they weren’t locked, lock your bicycle using a strong, secure lock. The Johnston Police Department strongly recommends the use of a properly secured U-Lock, rather than chains and cables, to deter theft.
- Secure the bicycle to a bike rack or any other immovable object.
- Secure both wheels of your bicycle.
- Register your bicycle.
- Serial number
- Proof of ownership (depending on the bicycle’s age, this may not be available)
- Make
- Model
- Color
- Any identifying marks
- Obey all applicable traffic regulations, signs, signals, and markings.
- Observe all local ordinances pertaining to bicycles.
- Keep right and ride with traffic, not against it.
- Ride in a single file when riding with other cyclists.
- Watch out for drain grates, soft shoulders, and other road hazards.
- Watch out for car doors opening or for cars pulling into traffic.
- Don’t carry passengers or packages that interfere with your vision or control.
- Never hitch a ride with a truck or other vehicle.
- Be careful at intersections and when making turns.
- Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping.
- Protect yourself at night with reflectors and lights.
- Ride a safe bicycle. Have it inspected to ensure it is in good condition.
- Ride your bicycle defensively – watch out for the other guy.
Maintain Your Bicycle Properly
- Lubricate your bicycle’s moving parts periodically.
- Make certain that the brakes work properly.
- Tighten all bolts periodically to keep handlebars, seats, pedals, and wheels secure.
- Keep the tires properly inflated.
- Adjust the seat and handlebars for the rider’s height.