When you ride, you need to follow the rules of the road. Bicyclists must observe traffic signs and signals, and should use hand signals to alert others when turning or stopping, just as they would in cars. If you don't signal correctly, a car driving near you will not be aware of your intentions. Even when it appears that a driver is looking right at you, it is not safe to assume that you are seen and understood. Glare and other distractions play a large factor in drivers' inability to see a cyclist.

On that same note, when you ride on the street alongside parked cars, keep an eye out for drivers and passengers who are opening their car doors and don't see you coming.

It's also important to know bicycling etiquette. Communicate to your fellow cyclists. Common biking jargon includes calling out “on your left” to indicate when you are passing someone. Also, if cyclists are riding close behind you, it is good biking etiquette to point out debris on the road that they may not be able to see because they are close behind you, or “on your wheel.”

Here are a few more details to keep in mind when stopping:

• The left-handed brake lever slows the front wheel; the right-handed brake lever slows the rear wheel.

• When you apply the front (left) brake, do so gently to avoid the force of your weight throwing you forward and overboard (or rather, over-bike).

• To slow down or stop, feather the brakes, which means alternating between squeezing and releasing them. It keeps you from being thrown off the bike, and it keeps your brakes from overheating and becoming less effective.

One more way to keep yourself safe when biking is to always make sure you are sufficiently hydrated. You can use two water bottles held in the bicycle's water-bottle cages. Most bikes have room for two cages. Or you can use a hands-free drinking system that you wear like a backpack. For really hot or humid days, you may want to use both bottles and a hands-free system. The advantage of using both is that you will be able to carry different fluids such as water and electrolyte replacements.