Safe Practices

As a component of More Bikes. Safe Streets., Bike Fort Collins is a huge advocate and proponent of bicycle safety, safe riding practices, and even safe driving practices as they relate to interacting with bicycles.

Safe CYCLING and driving PRACTICES & TIPS

Bike Fort Collins, through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program delivers SRTS curriculum jointly created with the City of Fort Collins to all students and schools within the Poudre School District falling within the city limits. This curriculum is largely based on the League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling program curriculum. And, while SRTS predominantly focuses on teaching youth, the principles and practices of safe riding apply to all ages.

Below is a series of Ride Smart videos from the League of American Bicyclists that showcase not only many Smart Cycling curriculum principles and safe riding practices and tips, but also important practices and tips for motorists from the Bicycle Friendly Driver program. Initially conceived at a Bike Fort Collins hosted Town Hall meeting in 2015, and developed and formalized by the City of Fort Collins’ FC Moves department, Bicycle Friendly Driver has since become a nationally recognized program.

While you can watch the entire series in about 25 minutes, they are also segmented into short 1-3 minute clips for easy and convenient viewing. You can also earn an official Smart Cycling certification or Bicycle Friendly Driver certification. Smart Cycling entails completion of an 8-hour two-part course (1-Rules of Road classromm course, 2-Road-Skills on-bike course), while Bicycle Friendly Driver entails a 2-hour classroom course. Classes are FREE for the community. Click here or the button on this page to find upcoming classes, as well as other bicycle-related classes.

Additionally, click here for a great resource from the city on safe bicycling practices and rules of the road.

FIND A CLASS

GET READY TO RIDE WITH THE ABC QUICK CHECK

For Bicyclists: Make sure you’re ready to ride each time with this easy-to-remember checklist

COMMON CRASHES BETWEEN BICYCLISTS AND DRIVERS

For Bicyclists & Motorists: Being aware of these common crash types or scenarios can help you avoid them

BIKE LANES ARE NOT FOR CARS

For Motorists: Familiarize yourself with what bicycle facilities look like in order to make sure to keep motor vehicles clear of them

DOORING AND THE DUTCH REACH FOR MOTORISTS

For Motorists: Be aware when opening your door near a bike lane, watching for bicyclists, and practice this techinique to help you remember

LANE POSITIONING AND INTERSECTIONS

For Bicyclists: The position you take within a traffic lane while traveling can help increase your visibility to motorists and reduce your risk of conflict

WE ARE ALL HUMAN

For Motorists: Bicyclists are people, or human too. Be sure to slow down and give adequate distance between you and bicyclists. In Colorado it’s the law.

WHY ARE BICYCLISTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

For Motorists: Be aware of these instances where you’ll find bicyclists riding in the middle of the road, or “taking the lane”

BIKE PARKING AND SIDEWALKS

For Bicyclists: These practices will help ensure your bike’s safety when parking and locking it. And, see why it’s generally best to avoid riding on sidewalks.