Always wear a Helmet. Helmets can prevent head injuries, the primary cause of death and disabling injuries resulting from cycling accidents.

Know your local laws.

Use proper hand signals.

Make eye contact with drivers to be sure you have been seen.

Be visible.  Reflective clothing should be worn, even during the day, just in case the ride goes into the evening or dusk hours.  Bright clothing increases the chance of being seen by other cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.  Wear bright-colored clothing - fluorescent colors are particularly good.

Children should always tell parents where they are going on their bikes.

Teach children to ride in safe areas - avoid parking lots, paths through wooded areas, secluded areas, loose gravel and busy roads.

Look well ahead.  This way you can spot problems before they happen.  Continually check the road for potential hazards.  Never wear headphones when riding a bike.

Never ride with a passenger on the handlebars.

Don't let children ride at night.

Never pull or get pulled by another bike, vehicle, or rollerbladers, etc.

Ride in single file.

Stay on the right side of the road.  Motorists are not looking for cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.  Also, you can endanger oncoming cyclists.

Be aware of driveways and intersections.  Look both ways and stop before crossing.  This is especially important to teach young children when they are learning to ride on bike trails.

Come to a complete stop at all stop signs and obey all other road signs.

Always ride in control.  Keep both hands ready to brake.  You may not stop in time if you brake on-handed.  Also, allow extra time for braking when there is wet road conditions. Keep hands on handlebars.

Children riding in a bicycle cart, tandem or bike seat should also wear helmets.

Wear proper foot wear - running shoes and ensure laces are done up to avoid getting caught in chain.

Avoid pants with wide bottom legs that can get caught in chains.

Ride a well-equipped bike.  Equip bike with horn, rear-view mirrors, reflectors, and a light.  A flashing red light is an especially good rear reflector.

Have sunglasses handy and wear them if it is sunny to protect eyes.

Never race other riders or vehicles.

Apply sunscreens liberally and often.

Share the road.  When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and take your legitimate place in the bike lane.  Be confident and assertive, yet courteous to motorists and pedestrians.

Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles when appropriate.  Always pass slowly and carefully.  Remember that pedestrians have the right of way - anticipate their reactions.

Communicate when riding in a group.  Develop easy-to-understand verbal signals that increase safety and avoid collisions and near misses.