Biking 101

Editor’s note:
The first version of this story made a distinction between DUI citations on highways and streets; the vehicle code defines “highway” as any road, so there is no loophole for biking under the influence on a street. We apologize for any confusion.

The sun is peeking its head through the clouds, and we all know what that means—it’s bicycle time. What many people may not know is that there are rules to riding, just as there are for driving a car. Here are some of the DMV’s guidelines, plus some other state regulations, about bikes. Wouldn’t want to get pulled over on your cycle, now, would ya?

• Ride in the direction of traffic— not against it.

• Do NOT ride on the sidewalk.

• Use turn lanes, just as cars do.

• Stop at stop signs as cars do.

• Use a light if you’re riding at night.

• You can be charged with a DUI while riding a bicycle.

• Carrying a friend on your handlebars is a strict no-no.

• Know your hand signals.

• If you want to listen to your iPod, keep one earbud out so you can hear traffic.

• Pedestrians get the right of way.


Brain Freeze

More than 1,700 college students in the United States suffer alcohol-related deaths each year.