How To Prepare For Safe Biking
- Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike.
- Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work.
- Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor).
- Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
- Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
- Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
- Plan your route—if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.
Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet. But it’s equally important that you ensure a proper fit so your helmet can best protect you.
Size can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It’s usually easier to look in the mirror or have someone else adjust the straps. For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website.
Here is information on how to fit your helmet correctly.
No one learns to drive a vehicle safely without practice and experience; safely riding your bike in traffic requires the same preparation. Start by riding your bike in a safe environment away from traffic (a park, path, or empty parking lot).
Confidence in traffic comes with learning how to navigate and communicate with other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Th Smart Cycling website below includes online instructional videos on biking to build confidence and awareness of safe biking. The Introducing Kids to Biking website describes how to introduce kids to biking in a fun, safe, and rewarding way.
Ready to put your bike safety knowledge to the test? Take the BikeThruBurque quiz by clicking one of the links below!
Taking Your Bike On The Bus
Watch this short video to learn how to take your bike on all ABQ RIDE buses!
On an ART Bus
Make sure there’s room on the ART bus. Bikes may be taken directly onto the bus through the back doors, placed in the bike rack, and secured with the Velcro strap. If the bus is full, you may have to wait for the next bus.
At your stop, carefully remove your bike from the bike rack and exit the bus. Always be mindful of other passengers.
On A Regular Bus
Once the bus has stopped, make sure there is room for your bike. If the rack is full, take the next bus.
If the bike rack is folded up against the front of the bus, pull the handle up to release, and lower the rack into its working position.
If your bike is first, load with the handlebars toward the curb, and the wheels in the slots nearest the bus. If your bike is second, load with the handlebars opposite.
Pull the hook out and over the front wheel and release it gently. Remove your water bottle, pump, etc., before boarding the bus.
Raise the spring loaded bar up and over the front tire and place it on top of the tire, close to the bike frame.
rack and exit the bus. Always be mindful of other passengers.
At your stop, let the driver know you need to remove your bike and then exit the front of the bus. Remove your bike, put the rack up, and then wave to let the driver know you and your bike are clear.
Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center
The Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center offers regular classes and is a great resource for safe biking in Albuquerque. Esperanza provides classes on bicycle safety, road use and traffic law, mechanics, and riding skills. Esperanza’s bike clinic is open to the public by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Esperanza also operates Pop-Up Bike Clinics at different locations. A current schedule with locations and times can be found below.