How to Bike Safely Through Philly

In December, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed a bill prohibiting vehicles from standing in a bike lane, even momentarily. We recently spoke with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia about the hope that it will improve bike safety in Philly.

While the effects of this law remain to be seen, here are some tips for biking safely through Philly, from how to prepare to what to do in case of a crash.

How to Prepare for a Ride

The right equipment can vastly improve your safety during a ride. When selecting a helmet, determine if the helmet complies with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Make sure it fits properly, and that it matches your planned activities.

Always check your bicycle before heading out. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, your brakes are working properly, and your chains are tight, clean, lubricated, and rust-free.

Wear bright-colored clothing to ensure drivers can see you, install and use rearview mirrors, protect yourself from the sun, and prepare for various weather conditions.

How to Ride Safely

Plan your route ahead of time and utilize the city’s bike lanes. While you can’t always avoid certain lanes or areas, the City Cast Philly team spoke to a few experts who identified some dangerous intersections and hotspots.

Respect the rules of the road. Ride in a straight, single-file line in the same direction as traffic, obey signs and signals, and look in all directions before entering or crossing a street to avoid crashes.

What to Do in a Bike Accident

Despite all of your preparations, accidents can and do happen. What should you do if you’re involved in a hit-and-run? We checked with Stuart Leon and Zach Leon, a father-son legal team in Philly who focus on bicycle safety. Their recommendations are to take a photo of the car's license plate and file a police report. Although a lot of people may want to record videos, this can lead to escalation and a tense situation.