7787 62nd Ave NE Seattle, WA 98103cascade.org • info@cascade.org

Welcome to bicycling in the Puget Sound region! Whether you are biking to get around, for health and happiness or to socialize, we’re glad you’ve joined us on two wheels. Cascade Bicycle Club’s education department offers school and community-based programming to encourage and educate people of all ages and abilities to ride safely.

Welcome

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*Includes shared use paths, bicycle lanesand protected bike lanes as countedby the Puget Sound Regional Council

The Seattle Bike Master Plancalls for a connected network that includes approximately 100 miles of protected bicycle lanes and nearly 250 miles of neighborhood greenways built out over the next 20 years.

There are 1,160 miles of bikeways throughout the region.*

62 local schools participated in the Bike to School Challenge in 2015.

1,600 people startedbicycling for the first time as part of Bike Month in 2015.

You are joining a growing movement!

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Helmet

Rain jacket

You may also want to bringFor every ride, we recommend

Lock

Water

Lights Bike map

Transit card

What to bring

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Too loose

Too tight

Replace your helmet

A properly fitting helmet will stay put when you move your head.

Wear your helmet level, straps snug around ears and under chin.

Helmet fitEvery 3-5 years

If you find a crack or damage

If your helmet isimpacted in a crash

If your helmet does not comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards- 5 -

BrakesSqueeze brake levers, rock bike back and forth–wheels should stay put. Release brakes and spin wheels–wheels should move freely.

AirSqueeze tires and inflate if needed–tires should feel firm.

ABC quick check

Minimum 1 inch clearance between lever and bars.

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Check-it-out rideBefore you leave, bike in a loop to

check that your bike is working well.

Quick releasesMany bikes have quick releases that fasten the seat and wheels. Quick releases should be securely closed.

Chain, cassette, crank and chainringsChain should be clean and move freely when you backpedal.

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How to get around

Sharrows serve as a reminder that you are on a bike route and that all traffic lanes are shared lanes for people bicycling and driving.

Signs and markings like these can help you find your way.

You can ride on any street, but choose streets that feel comfortable to you. A network of paths, neighborhood greenways, side streets and bike lanes can get you—and your family—where you want to go.

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Buffered bike lane Bike lane Two-way protected bike lane

Many cities are expanding their network of bike lanes and introducing bike lanes that are separated from motorized traffic with painted buffers and physical barriers.

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When approaching an intersection: • look around for people who might cross your path• signal if turning• prepare to slow or stop

Bike detectorsPlace bike hereto get a green light.

Bike signalsTraffic signals for bicycles.

Green lanesShow where cars might cross a bike lane.

Intersections are where the greatest number of collisions occur, which is why many cities are using these tools to help you get through safely.

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Turn boxes Show where to wait when making a two-stage left turn. If traffic is too heavy or you are uncomfortable moving left, use the two-stage left turn.

Bike Boxes Show where to wait at a red light. Move left to be more visible.

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Wet leaves

Merging traffic

Rail tracks

Pot holes

Car doors

Broken glass

Wherever you ride, you may find obstacles or hazards in your path. This scene shows a bike lane with common hazards. Washington State traffic law* does not require you to use bike lanes, and it’s best to leave the bike lane to avoid such obstacles.

Also look for puddles, pavement cracks, rocks, sand and other hazards.

By looking ahead for things in your path, you can enjoy a smooth ride.

*RCW 46.61.770

After you see an obstacle ahead, look behind you, signal and move when it’s clear.

Cross railroad tracks at a 90º angle, so your wheels are perpendicular to the tracks

Positioning in the lane

It is best to ride in a straight line outside of the door zone—where you are visible and more predictable.

On narrow streets, take control and ride in the middle of the lane. You will be more visible and will discourage close passing.

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Turning leftLook, signal and move left when it is clear. Use the left or center turn lane.

Two-stage left turnIf tra�c is too heavy or you are uncomfortable moving left, use the two-stage left turn.

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When passing someone walking or biking:• slow your speed, especially on sidewalks and paths• wait until there is no oncoming traffic• ring your bell or say “passing on your left”• give plenty of passing room

Communicatingwhile biking

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Left Right(two options)

Stop

Hand signals

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Traffic lawMotor vehicle traffic laws apply to you when you’re bicycling on the street.

Ride in thedirection of traffic.

Follow all street signs, signals and markings.

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Yield to crossing traffic,when changing lanes or turningand use hand signals to communicate with others.

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Parking overnight? Consider parking

your bicycle inside.

One of the great things about biking is traveling door to door. Whether you park on the street or bring your bike inside, you have many options.

Where to lockyour bike

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Remove your lights and any other accessories from your bike.

How to lock your bike

Be sure to lock the frame and lock both wheels if possible.

It’s best to use a U-lock or heavy chain. A cable is best used as a secondary lock.

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In summary, ride SMARTStay alertMomentary inattention is the number one cause of incidents. Watch for vehicles, bicy-clists, pedestrians and hazards. Do not wear earbuds or use phones while riding.

Maintain spaceLeave enough room in front of you to avoid other riders, vehicles and hazards. Ride outside the door zone, and move o� the road or trail when stopping.

Act safely and predictablyWear a properly �tted helmet. Make sure you can see and be seen. Ride a straight line and only pass on the left. Be courteous.

Respect the rules of the roadObey all tra�c laws; stop for all red lights and stop signs. Signal turns whenever safe, ride no more than two abreast (single �le is safer) and yield right-of-way when appropriate.

Think ahead and talkScan ahead and anticipate what others will do. Communicate actions and hazards, tell others when passing and cross railroad tracks at a right angle when possible.

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Connect with us online at Cascade.org

Join Cascade & explore the region

Ride with us on a Free Group Ride or a signature ride

Take a riding or maintenance class

Join the movement—become a Cascade Member

Advocate for safer streets

Volunteer & connect with your community

Now that you've seen what everyday bicycling can look like, keep pedaling with Cascade Bicycle Club!

@cascadebicycle @cascadebicycle/cascadebicycleclub

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7787 62nd Ave NE Seattle, WA 98103cascade.org • info@cascade.org