Mattapoisett Rail Trail      

Helmets protect heads, but only smart riding avoids accidents.  Remember,

Bicyclists are vulnerable!

• Twelve ways to avoid getting hit:

1. Don't ride against the traffic. 
2.  Be visable.  Use lights, reflectors, rear view mirrors, bells.  Wear visible clothing.
3. Choose low traffic routes. Get familiar with the roads in your area.
4. Use Hand Signals:  Drivers respect riders who communicate.
5. Look behind you when you move out of the "track" you are riding in.
6. Before going into an intersection make sure the road is clear.  If there is a car, make sure you make eye contact with the driver.
7. SLOW DOWN AT INTERSECTIONS
   
8. Get across the road as quickly as possible.
9. Don't weave in and out of parked cars.  Keep a staight line while riding so cars coming from behind see you. 
10. Look for people inside parked cars who may open doors into your path.
11. Learn to skillfully avoid dangerous conditions in your path: sticks, sand, water, glass, on grade rail road crossings, potholes.
12. Understand and use the rights of way and share the road wisely:  You are vulnerable on a bicycle.

Bike Path Safety Tips 

Pedestrians have the right of way. 

Use the speed appropriate for the conditons of the path.  SLOW DOWN if there's lots of Traffic.

SLOW DOWN if you can't see around a corner: You never can know the ability level of the people you cant see:  small children, people out for a therapuetic walk with motilty limitations.

Warn pedestrians and slower bicyclists of your approach from behind with a bell (best) or voice "Behind you!" .

Call " Passing left" or "Passing Right to tell pedestrians and bicyclist of the track you will take .

SLOW DOWN at all intersection with roads.  Make sure the way is clear before you cross.Remember your sudden appearance in a driver's view can cause THEM to panic.