Biking

BIKE SMART

Each year, more New Yorkers are bicycling for work, for fun, and for their health. Bicycling is a great way to be active and stay fit. 89% of cyclist fatalities occur at intersections so you need to learn how to navigate them and stay safe on your bike:

• STAY OUT OF THE BLIND SPOT
  Turning trucks and buses cannot see a bicycle in their blind spot. Do not pass when trucks and buses are turning, especially on the side to which they are making the turn.
  
  
• BE SEEN AT NIGHT
  A white headlight and red taillight are required by law and wearing something reflective is really smart.
  
  
• GO WITH THE FLOW
  Bike in the direction of traffic. Cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists expect all traffic to come from the same direction. Also, a head-on collision is much more serious than a rear-end collision.
  
  

Check for regular helmet fittings or other bike safety events in your neighborhood.

For more specific information about the laws and tips for safety see:

• Bicycle Laws
  Department of Transportation's (DOT) compiled list of laws and rules for bicycling in NYC
  
  
• Bike Smart
  DOT's Official guide to biking in NYC
  
  
• Bicycling for your Health
  Ride safely and healthy with these helpful tips from the Department of Health (DOH)
  
  
• Cycling New York City
  A pamphlet from the DOH's Health Bulletin
  
  
• Bike Friendly Business District
  Vision Zero partnering organization, Transportation Alternatives, has compiled their list of "Bike Friendly Business" in the East Village and the Lower East Side
  
  
• Citi Bike
  For all the facts on Citi Bike check out this press release from the DOT
  
  

COMMERCIAL CYCLISTS:

DOT's Commercial Bicycling webpage has the definitive information to comply with the law and keep safe while delivering good in New York City.