Bike Safety Yuba City

Bike Yuba City Safely!

Riding a bicycle is a great excuse to get outdoors and breathe in some great California air while at the same time reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. Bikes aren't just for recreational use, they're great for running errands like quick trips to the convenience store, the park, a restaurant, visiting friends or even going to work. Below are some simple tips on bike safety and education to keep you on your toes while on your bike.

Equipping Your Bicycle for Commuting

  • Make sure the bicycle is properly sized and adjusted.
  • Use a white headlamp and a red rear reflector for night riding.
  • A rack over the rear wheel is convenient for carrying items such as books, a briefcase, or clothing.
  • Carry a basic tool kit, tire patch kit and tire pump for those unexpected roadside repairs.

Bicycle Safety Guidelines

  • Wear a bicycle helmet. It is the law for persons under 18 years of age.
  • Always ride in bike lanes on bike routes.
  • Ride with the traffic flow.
  • Ride in a straight line.
  • Ride to the right if you are moving slower than other traffic, unless you are turning left, passing another bicycle or vehicle, or avoiding hazards.
  • Obey all traffic signals. Stop at stop signs and red lights.
  • Use a light, reflectors and reflective clothing during darkness.
  • Wear bright clothing during the daytime.
  • Keep a safe distance from parked cars.
  • Use proper hand signals when turning, stopping or changing lanes.
  • Use extra caution when it is raining, and allow extra time to stop.
  • Cross railroad tracks at a right angle.
  • Walk your bike when using a crosswalk.
  • Do not wear headphones on both ears while riding.
  • Keep your bike properly maintained so it is safe.
  • Do not drink and ride.
  • Ride defensively.
  • Be alert for road hazards.
  • Watch for cars at cross streets and driveways.
  • Use lights at night.
  • Ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Keep right where practicable to allow vehicles to pass.
  • Be aware of parked cars and watch for car doors that may open.
  • Give pedestrians the right of way.

To Read all California Code, Laws and Regulations visit Codes, Laws, and Regulations on the California Department of Transportation website.

Sharrows - Coming Soon to Streets Near You!

"Share the Road" — it's a self explanatory phrase. Many people, however, fail to understand the importance or the practicality of the statement. The City of Yuba City has found a way to remind motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that we must share the road. Enter the Sharrow. The City of Yuba City will be soon be installing over 190 sharrows throughout the roadways of Yuba City.

"Sharrows" are street markings that simply remind all roadway users to share the road with each other. Sharrows improve the position of both bicyclists and motorists on roadways and are markings used within travel lanes shared by bicyclists and other vehicles. The name "sharrow" was coined as a combination of shared lane and arrow.

Sharrows are a great reminder to keep the streets safer, but sharrows and other infrastructure improvements can never match the safety that comes with being a skilled, confident and defensive cyclist. Before getting out on the roads, all cyclists should know the California Bike Safety recommendations and laws.

Riding and driving smart keeps Yuba-Sutter roads safe, and more enjoyable for everyone. Bicyclists, walkers, and motorists all share our city's roads and all have equal rights. Nothing counts more than safety and courtesy, so remember to SHARE the ROAD!


Use Your Head, Wear a Helmet!

Bicycle helmets are the single most effective way to reduce the number of head injuries and fatalities due to bicycle crashes in California and the nation. Bicycle helmets reduce the likelihood of serious brain injuries resulting from bicycle crashes by 85 percent. California is leading the nation with its forward-thinking public policies and programs aimed at protecting Californians against injury, disability and death from bicycle-related head injuries. The California bicycle helmet law and successful community efforts to increase helmet use are paying dividends. Moreover, biking is fun, good exercise and promotes good air quality.

As adults, we can contribute to the movement to protect our families as well as our community members by acting as role models. By discussing the importance of bicycle helmets with others as well as using bicycle helmets when we ride, we can do our part to save lives and prevent injuries, disabilities and death.