Bicycle safety

Bicycles are considered vehicleson Wisconsin roadways and all types of vehicles need to share the road to keep everyone safe. Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road and must be treated as equal users by other vehicles. Bicycles are particularly vulnerable to injuries, but there are simple things bicyclists can do to greatly reduce their risk of crash, death or injury.

An icon showing a cyclist wearing a yellow helmet and a striped shirt, viewed from behind, enclosed in a blue circle.


Be visible. If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you

Use extra caution when passing trucks, buses or approaching an intersection alongside a large vehicle.


An image showing a gray car from a top-down view, positioned below a traffic light showing a red signal on the left and a green vertical line indicator on the right.


Be seen when stopped

At red lights, stop slightly ahead of a waiting vehicle. Avoid the driver’s blind spot.


An image showing a close-up of a gray vertical traffic light with three lenses, with the top light glowing red.


Obey traffic laws, signs and signals

Running a red light or stop sign can result in a serious crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.


Prohibition sign showing a person wearing headphones with music notes, indicating no headphones allowed.


Be aware of your surroundings

If using earphones, wear only one while riding. Check behind you, especially when changing lanes. Watch for opening car doors.

Icon showing a car and a bicycle moving straight ahead, indicating drivers must yield to bikes traveling straight.


Ride on the road, bike lane, paved shoulder or path

Follow the rules of the road. Ride to the right in the direction of traffic. Watch out for others and be alert for hazards that may result in a crash such as rocks, potholes, utility grates and train tracks.

Icon of a cyclist riding at night under a moon, highlighting a white front headlight and a red rear reflector.


Enhance visibility with proper lighting

Use a white headlight and a red taillight


An image showing a gray silhouette of a person wearing a bright blue helmet with a black chin strap, set inside a light green circular background.


Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet will significantly reduce your risk of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.


Avoid getting “doored”

Diagram of a 'dooring' hazard where a parked car door opens into a bicycle lane.Riding close to parked cars leaves cyclists vulnerable to car doors that open unexpectedly.

Do

  • Be alert and watch parked vehicles carefully.
  • Ride in a straight line and maintain at least three feet of distance from parked vehicles.
  • Watch vehicle tail lights to anticipate driver actions and for exiting passengers.

Don't

  • Swerve back and forth around vehicles.
Safety at intersections

Diagram showing a blue car cutting off a bicycle lane while turning right at a crosswalk.When approaching intersections where cyclists and turning vehicles merge:

Do

  • Look for turning traffic.
  • Take the full lane as necessary.

Don't

  • Hug the curb or pass on the curbside of a turning vehicle. If vehicles are turning in front of you, move away from the direction of the turn.

Downloadable poster on safe biking practices.

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