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Wear a helmet -

While helmets aren't guaranteed to save your life, they do tremendously reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash.

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Be seen -

Wear bright and reflective clothing, especially in the early morning, late at night, or on cloudy days.

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Careful with your attire -

Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs, so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.

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Make sure your bike works -

It doesn't matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work!

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Protect yourself from the sun -

Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, especially on the back of your neck and your arms. Alternatively, wear long sleeves with breathable fabric.

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Know the weather forecast -

Wear waterproof gear if needed. You might also carry a small backpack to hold extra lightweight layers.

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Install rearview mirrors on your handlebars or helmet -

You should still learn to look over your shoulder without swerving, but mirrors provide an extra help at all times.

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Be alert -

Never ride with headphones on or an earpiece in. You need to hear everything you possibly can around you.

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Ride with a buddy -

Two cyclists are more visible than one. Plus, if something happens, it should be easier for one of you to facilitate the emergency response process.

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Carry a patch kit at all times -

Learning to patch up your own flat tire can prevent you from being stranded in an unsafe or remote location.

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Get creative with your route -

When you’re cycling, getting there in one piece is more important than getting there faster. Choose roads that are wide or have dedicated bike lanes.

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Carry a cell phone and ID -

Your cell phone can come in real handy during emergencies. Also, if something bad happens to you, your ID will help emergency responders know who you are.

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Bring drinking water -

This is especially important for long rides and if you're mountain biking.

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Bring some cash -

If you find yourself without a patch kit or phone, cash is a great last resort for catching a cab or public transport home.

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Know your local bike safety rules -

Bike safety rules can vary from country to country and even city to city, so make sure you're up-to-date with them.

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Follow the signs -

Just like a car, obey street signs, signals, and road markings.

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Know about the most common accidents -

Learn about the most common cyclist-motorist collisions and how you should avoid them.

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Use signals drivers can understand -

Signal a left turn or lane change by holding your left arm out to the left side of your body. For a right turn, signal with your right arm.

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Ride with traffic, never against it -

Riding against traffic makes it impossible to make a right turn. On top of that, it's a major safety hazard.

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Keep at least one hand, preferably both, on the handlebars -

This will help you keep better balance and let you brake faster in case of emergency.

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Don’t rely on eye contact when an oncoming driver has seen you -

When you’re traveling at high speeds, it’s hard to tell exactly where a person is looking. Rely more on a driver’s overall behavior than on eye contact.

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Use body language and make noise -

When eye contact fails, try waving an arm, yelling, or ringing a bell to get a driver’s attention.

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Follow lane directions -

Respect the lane directions and don’t ride straight through a right-turn-only lane.

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Always be ready to yield -

Drivers should share the road, but that won't always happen. What you can do is go slowly enough that you could stop or give the right of way at a moment’s notice.

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Use front and rear lights -

This goes back to staying visible. It’s also required by law in many places.

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Be on the lookout for gravel, ice, sand, puddles, and other road hazards -

By slowing down, you'll be able to get through them safely.

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Never, ever, pass on the right -

On the rare occasion that a car ahead of you is moving slower than you are, don't glide past on the right side. The driver won't see you, and this could be dangerous.

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Slow down - Slow down and look for traffic when crossing a street from a sidewalk. Also, look for cars backing out of driveways or turning.

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Watch for pedestrians -

Pedestrians are also part of traffic. Always make sure you watch out for them.

Sources: (CDC) (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

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