Bike and e-bike safety

Plain guides for riding safely and sharing the road with people on bikes

People on bikes and e-bikes have little protection in a crash, so small choices by riders and drivers matter. This page brings together our guides for people who ride, the drivers who share the road with them, families with young riders, and community leaders working on safer streets.

Pick your starting point below, or use the On this page menu to jump to a topic. If someone was just hit, call 911.

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I ride a bike or e-bikeHelmets, lights, mirrors, bike checks and e-bike batteriesSee these guidesI drive near people on bikesHow much room to give, bike lanes, turns and blind spotsSee these guidesI’m a parentChild bike seats, trailers and safe school tripsSee these guidesI was hit while ridingFirst steps, your rights and riding againSee these guidesI work on safer streetsBike lanes, road design, crash data and safety eventsSee these guides

Gear to see and be seen

A helmet that fits, good lights and a clear view behind you all make riding safer. These guides explain what to buy, how to fit and aim it, and what the law requires.

Start hereCertified bike and scooter helmets: how to read the label, fit it and replace it on timeWhich helmet suits your ride and speed, and the fit checks that keep it in placeRead the guideFront and rear bike lights: how to see, be seen and meet the legal minimumHow to choose, mount, aim and care for lights that help drivers notice youRead the guideBicycle reflectors and reflective clothing: what is required and how to be recognizedWhich reflectors a new bike must have and how to wear gear that drivers recognizeRead the guideRearview mirrors for bike and scooter riders: how to choose, aim and use onePick a mirror, aim it while stopped and pair every glance with a shoulder checkRead the guideBike rear radar: what it detects, what it misses and why you still look backHow radar alerts work, where they fall short and how to ride with one safelyRead the guideBike bells and audible warnings: when to ring, how to pass and why you still must yieldChoose a bell, ring at the right moment and pass people on paths safelyRead the guideEmergency ID tags for walkers, runners and riders: what responders look forWhich details belong on your tag, how to back it up and when to update itRead the guide

Keep your bike or e-bike ready to ride

Quick checks of your brakes, tires and chain can catch problems before a ride. E-bike and scooter batteries need safe charging to prevent fires.

Start hereBike and scooter brake, tire and chain checks: tools you need and when to see a mechanicBuild a small tool kit, run quick checks and spot the signs that mean stop ridingRead the guideElectric bike and scooter batteries and chargers: how to charge safely and prevent firesCheck for UL certification, match the charger and spot a failing battery earlyRead the guide

Sharing the road with people on bikes

Drivers and riders both have a part to play. Learn how much room to give when passing, why riders sometimes take the lane, and why bike lanes must stay clear. You can also see what car safety systems can and cannot detect.

Start hereBicycle, e-bike and scooter safety: how drivers and riders share the roadHow to give riders room, avoid door and turn crashes and ride safely yourselfRead the guideHow much room to give a cyclist when passing: a guide for driversThe legal minimum in your state, and why more room is safer at higher speedsRead the guideStuck behind a cyclist: why riders take the lane and how to stay patientWhat a short wait really costs, and how to pass a rider safely and calmlyRead the guideBlocking the bike lane: why a quick stop pushes riders into trafficWhat happens when you stop in a bike lane, and where to pull over insteadRead the guideSafe curbside stops for delivery and rideshare drivers: a guide for drivers and employersHow to plan stops, load and pick up without blocking lanes, crosswalks or ridersRead the guidePedestrian and cyclist detection braking: what it misses and why night is its hardest testHow night, turns and cyclists test these systems, and how to choose a strong oneRead the guide

Turns, lane changes and crossings

Riders and drivers meet where paths cross: at intersections, roundabouts, lane changes and rail crossings. These guides show who goes first and how to check for people on bikes.

Start hereLane changes and blind spots: a safe routine every driver can useSet your mirrors, check blind spots and change lanes safely around bikes and trucksRead the guideRight of way rules: four way stops, crosswalks and roundabouts explainedWho goes first at four way stops, crosswalks and roundabouts, and why waving others on backfiresRead the guideRailroad crossing safety: signs, gates and what to do if you're stuckWhat crossing signals mean, where to stop and what to do if you get stuckRead the guide

Kids and families

Riding with a young child takes the right seat or trailer and a helmet that fits. Busy school drop off zones need extra care around bike lanes and crosswalks.

Start hereChild bike seats and bike trailers: when your child is ready and how to ride safelyCheck readiness, pick the right seat or trailer, fit a helmet and load with careRead the guideSchool pickup and drop off: how to keep crosswalks, bike lanes and bus zones clearHabits that keep kids safe in the car line, near crosswalks and around the busRead the guide

Laws, rights and insurance

Bike laws differ by state. Learn where bikes and e-bikes may ride, who needs a helmet and how drivers must pass. You can also find out which insurance applies to an e-bike or scooter.

Start hereBicycle and e-bike laws by state: where to ride, helmets, passing rulesWhere bikes and electric bikes may ride, who needs a helmet and how drivers must passRead the guideVulnerable road user laws by state: who they protect and what drivers faceWhich states add penalties when careless drivers hurt people walking or bikingRead the guideMopeds, scooters and e-bikes: which insurance policy appliesHow states classify small motorized rides and which policy pays after a crashRead the guide

If you were hit while riding

Get medical care first. Then these guides can help with the police report, insurance and a driver who left the scene. When you feel ready, one guide helps you get back on your bike.

If someone was just hit

Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move out of traffic only if it is safe. Get checked even if you feel fine, because some injuries show up hours or days later.

Start hereWhat to do after a car accident: your free 12 step checklistSafety, injuries, photos, police reports and records after a crashRead the guideWhen the other driver flees the crash sceneSteps to take when the other driver flees and how to file a claimRead the guideReturning to walking or cycling after being hit by a vehicleHow to tell if you are ready to walk or ride again and ease back inRead the guide

Safer streets for people on bikes

For community leaders, schools and road agencies. Learn which street designs protect riders, how to read local crash data and how to plan safety events that change behavior.

Start hereProtected bike lane separators and pedestrian refuge islands: how they workWhich separators work best, how to size an island and what keeps both workingRead the guideSafer road design: a field guide to the safety fixes on your streetHow to spot common road safety fixes, which crashes they prevent and how to use themRead the guideCenterline and shoulder rumble strips: how they warn drifting drivers and what to askHow road owners choose sites, protect riders and neighbors, and keep strips workingRead the guideLocal crash data and safety maps: how to find and read your area's dataHow to find official crash maps for your area and read them without being misledRead the guideTraffic safety events that work: a planning guide for organizersHow to plan car seat checks, helmet fittings and safety fairs that change behaviorRead the guide

More to read

Want to read more? Browse every walking and biking article in our library, or read five habits that help drivers and cyclists avoid crashes at junctions.

Browse walking and biking guidesFive habits for drivers and cyclists

These guides offer general education, not legal, medical or insurance advice. Bike laws differ by state and change over time, so check the rules where you ride. In an emergency in the United States, call 911.

Keep learning

Safe Driving Resource Center

Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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