Bike safety basics
This page shares simple, practical tips for riding a bike on Salt Lake City streets. Whether you’re new to biking or just need a refresher, these tips focus on everyday riding, intersections, visibility, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Top safety tips
- Riding through intersections
- If you’re involved in a crash
- Gear and equipment
- Bicycle registration
Top safety tips
Follow the rules of the road
- Ride with traffic and follow all signs and signals. By law, people on bikes must ride in the same direction as cars.
- Ride predictably and follow the same basic rules as drivers.
- Use the rightmost lane that goes in the direction you are traveling.
Be predictable
- Use hand signals to show when you plan to stop, merge, or turn.
- Ride in a straight line when possible. Stay to the right of traffic and leave about a car-door’s width of space from parked cars.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks. Drivers don’t expect bikes there, and people walking always have the right-of-way. If you must use a sidewalk, ride slowly and look carefully at driveways and intersections. Bicycling is not allowed on sidewalks in Salt Lake City’s downtown Central Business District.
Be visible
- Ride where drivers can easily see you.
- Wear bright colors during the day and reflective or light-colored clothing at night.
- Use a white front light and a red rear light when riding at night, as required by law.
Be alert
- Pay extra attention at intersections and driveways.
- Make eye contact with drivers when possible. Assume they don’t see you until you are sure they do.
- Stay aware of traffic around you and be ready to react.
- Watch out for road hazards like storm drains, slick pavement, gravel, ice, and railroad tracks. Cross tracks at a right angle when possible.
- Avoid distractions. Do not use your phone or listen to music while riding.
Ride with proper equipment
- Wear a helmet.
- Check your bike before riding. Make sure brakes work and wheels are secure.
- Use a good lock. Lock the bike frame and front wheel to a fixed object.
Riding through intersections
Most crashes between cars and bikes happen at intersections. These crashes often occur when a driver turns across a bicyclist’s path or when someone on a bike does not follow a stop sign or signal. The tips below can help you stay safer at intersections.
Never ride against traffic
Always ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is especially dangerous at intersections and is not allowed by law.
Choose the correct lane based on where you’re going:
- Right-turn lane if you are turning right
- Rightmost through lane if you are going straight
- Left-turn lane if you are turning left
If traffic feels uncomfortable, you may use the sidewalk or crosswalks, but move at walking speed.
Going straight
Drivers may not see you at intersections. Make eye contact with drivers who may turn and don’t assume they see you until you’re sure.
As you approach an intersection:
- Look over your shoulder for traffic behind you. If it’s clear, you can move slightly left in the lane to be more visible. At red lights, stop to the left of cars that may turn right.
- Watch for drivers turning left across your path. They may not see you, especially at night. If it’s safe, move left in the lane to increase visibility. Use a front light at night—it’s required and helps others see you.
- Watch for drivers turning right from the street on your right. Riding a bit farther left and using lights at night can help drivers notice you.
Turning left
Vehicle-style left turn: Look back for traffic. If it’s clear, signal and move into the left lane. Turn left from the left side of the road or from a dedicated left-turn lane if one is available.
Pedestrian-style left turn: Turn left in two steps. Ride straight through the intersection to the far corner, stop, then cross with pedestrians when the signal changes.
Signaling your turns
Use hand signals to show when you are turning or stopping. Practice riding with one hand off the handlebars so signaling feels comfortable. If you need both hands to steer or brake, the law allows you to skip signaling.
If you’re involved in a crash
- Check yourself for injuries. If you’re unsure, seek medical care.
- Call 911 and ask for a police report at the scene.
- Write down what happened. Take photos if you can, and collect names and contact information from witnesses.
- If you are injured, you may be able to file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim through your own auto insurance or the driver’s insurance, regardless of fault. You may also choose to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Gear and equipment
Helmets
Wearing a helmet is a smart choice whether you ride on streets or trails. Helmets are not required by law for everyday riding, but they are required for many organized rides. When buying a helmet, look for a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sticker inside.
Checking helmet fit
Use the Eyes, Ears, Mouth check to make sure your helmet fits properly.
- Eyes: The helmet should sit level on your head and rest just above your eyebrows. It should feel snug but comfortable.
- Ears: Adjust the straps so they form a “Y” shape under each ear. Poor strap fit often causes helmets to slide too far back.
- Mouth: Tighten the chin strap so only two fingers fit underneath. When you open your mouth wide, you should feel the helmet press down on your head.
A helmet should sit level and feel secure. Replace your helmet after any crash or impact, even if you don’t see visible damage.
Lights
A white front light is required from dusk to dawn and is one of the best ways to stay visible. A red rear light or reflector is also required. Side reflectors are required unless your front light includes side lighting.
Locks
Always lock your bike, even for short stops. An unlocked bike is easy to steal.
A U-lock offers the best protection. Lock the frame and front wheel to a solid, fixed object like a bike rack. Mini U-locks are lighter but still effective when used correctly. Cable locks are easier to cut and offer less protection.
Bicycle registration
Register your bike online at SLCPD’s website. Registration makes it easier to report a stolen bike and increases the chances of getting it back.