Working together, we can promote an environment in which bicycles, pedestrians, and motor vehicles can safely co-exist. Bicycles are an efficient, enjoyable, and environmentally sound way to get around and we encourage the safe and courteous use of bicycles. If you will be riding a bike around town, please take a few moments to become familiar with this information.

BICYCLISTS -- PLEASE respect the rights of those who can't get around as easily as you can! They may not be able to see or hear you approach, or be able to move quickly out of the way of a speeding bicycle. Their safety depends on your courtesy! When passing pedestrians, please bear this in mind.

Access rails and ramps that have been provided near the entrances to buildings to help people with disabilities enter those buildings. The visually impaired use them as a guide to the door, and people with impaired mobility use them for support and balance. Bicycles chained to access rails or left on ramps may prevent people from getting into the building, and people with disabilities have been injured in falls over carelessly-placed bicycles. Even under the best of circumstances, it can be a challenge for some people to get around - please don't add to their difficulty. Never chain a bike to an access rail or park it on a access ramp.

Theft Prevention

• Bike theft is a nationwide problem. Highland Park is not immune to this problem.
• Bicycles are among the most frequently stolen types of property in Highland Park.
• Most of the bicycles stolen were either:
  • UNLOCKED or
  • had been secured with POOR QUALITY LOCKS at the time of the theft.
• It takes only a few seconds for a thief to get away with your bike when it is left unlocked.

Here are some suggestions which may help you in preventing a bike theft:

Cable or Chain Lock 1. Use a cable or chain at least 3/8" in diameter. 2. Use a key lock with a 3/8" hardened shackle with heel and toe locking. 3. Pull up all slack in the cable or chain and make sure the lock is as high off the ground as possible.

U-Locks 1. Bike with quick release wheels - release the front wheel and include this with the rear wheel and frame 2. Bike without quick release wheels - secure the lock through both tire and frame

• ALWAYS secure the bike to a bike rack! If your bike is not secured to a solid object, all a thief has to do is pick it up and carry it away or toss it into a car trunk or van. This has happened MANY times before - don't let it happen to you.

• Spend at least 10% of the cost of your bike on security. If you have a $1,000 bike you should spend more on your lock and chain or other security equipment than if your bike cost only $100. In any event, consider how much it will cost to REPLACE your bike when deciding how much you can afford to spend PROTECTING your bike.

• CHOOSE carefully where and how you park your bike. Choose well-lighted, public places. Bike thieves prefer that you park in dark less-traveled areas; don't cooperate.

• REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY - particularly persons loitering around bike racks. We just LOVE to catch bike thieves. Help us get them before they get your bike.

Ride Safely
When you ride your bike on a sidewalk, you must to yield to pedestrians. Some sidewalk areas with heavy pedestrian traffic are signed prohibiting riding bicycles on the sidewalk.

When you ride on the road, your bike is a vehicle and you must obey traffic laws.

• Scan the road behind. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use helmet-mounted or bike-mounted rear-view mirrors. Always look back before changing lanes or changing positions within your lane, and only move when no other vehicle is in your way.

• Go slowly on sidewalks and bike paths. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Give pedestrians audible (horn/bell/word) warning when you pass. Don't cross driveways or intersections without slowing to walker's pace and looking very carefully for traffic, especially traffic turning right.

• When on the road, ride in a straight line whenever possible. Ride with, not against, the traffic. Keep to the right, but stay about a car-door-width away from parked cars.

• Avoid road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel and ice. Cross railroad tracks and speed bumps carefully at right angles.

• Choose the best way to turn left. There are two ways to make a left turn:
  1. Like an auto, look, signal, move into the left lane, and turn left.

  2. Like a pedestrian, ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.

• Obey traffic signs and signals. By law, cyclists must obey traffic laws when bicycles are ridden on streets in Highland Park.

• Ride a properly equipped bike.
  1. Always use a strong headlight and taillight at night and when visibility is poor.
  2. Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly.
  3. For safety and efficiency, outfit it with a horn/bell, rearview mirror(s), fenders (for rainy rides), and racks, baskets or bike bags.

Tips For Bicyclists: How to Ride in Traffic

Rule 1: Be Predictable
Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.

1. Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicycles must obey traffic laws like other vehicles.
2. Never ride against traffic. Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding on the left side of the road. Ride on the right, with the traffic.
3. Use hand signals when initiating a turn. Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy and of self-protection.
4. Ride in a straight line. Whenever possible, ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic but about a car-door-width away from parked cars.
5. Don't weave between parked cars. Don't ride over to the curb between parked cars, unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you move back into traffic.
6. Ride in middle of lane in slow traffic. Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic. (Remember, your bike IS a vehicle when on the road and you ARE allowed to operate it in the middle of the traffic lane, not just at the right edge, when traffic is slow. You're also responsible for signaling and stopping at stop signs and traffic lights like other vehicles.)
7. Follow lane markings. Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked right-turn-only.
8. Choose the best way to turn left. Remember: There are two ways to make a left turn. 1) Like an auto. Signal, move into the left lane and turn left. 2) Like a pedestrian.
9. Don't pass on the right. Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.
10. Go slow on shared paths. Yield to pedestrians. Give pedestrians audible warning when you pass. Do not ride on sidewalks where prohibited.
11. When biking with others, ride in line when other traffic is present.

Rule 2: Be Alert
Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.

1. Watch for cars pulling out. Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do.
2. Scan the road behind. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use rearview mirrors.
3. Avoid road hazards. Watch for sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily spots, gravel, ice. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles.
4. Keep both hands ready to brake. You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain.
5. Watch for chasing dogs. Ignore them, or try a firm, loud, "NO." If you can't get away, dismount with your bike between you and the dog. Don't try to kick the dog.

Rule 3: Be Equipped
You'll ride more easily and safely.

1. Keep the bike in good repair. Adjust your bike to fit you, and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly.
2. Use lights at night or when visibility is poor. The law requires a strong headlight and rear reflector or tail light at night.
3. Dress appropriately. In rain, wear a poncho or a parka made of fabric that "breathes". Generally dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Avoid loose clothing. Purchase a "strap" at a local bike store to control your right pant leg to avoid catching in in the chain.
4. Use a pack or rack to carry things. Saddlebags, racks, baskets, and backpacks are all good ways to carry packages, freeing your hands for safe riding.
5. Always wear an approved helmet. This reduces the potential for head injury by 85%.