Do you make these 8 common bicycling mistakes?

Riding on Busy Sidewalks
Pushing a High Gear
Riding with No Hands
Wrong Seat Adjustment
Pedal / Coast / Pedal / Coast
Riding with No Lights
Ignoring Stop Signs
Riding Against Traffic

1. Riding on Busy Sidewalks - It's inconsiderate, not to mention dangerous.  In every city that has looked at accident rates on sidewalks and road ways, the sidewalks were found much more dangerous.  Ride in the street with the rest of the traffic.
2. Pushing a High Gear - Riding around in tenth gear is another sign of novice bicyclists.  They struggle and strain and wobble down the road. Use a "middle gear" for casual riding and try to get your pedal cadence up to 60-80 revolutions per minute. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find this a lot easier on your knees too.
3. Riding with No Hands - Some bicyclists think this shows how skillful they are.  Actually, all it really shows is that they can balance on their bikes - something almost anyone can do.  It also shows that they aren't in control of their bikes and that all other road users should "watch out for them."  Such a childish attitude tells the motorist that the bicyclist hasn't grown up yet.  Ride with both  hands on the bars; you'll be ready for emergencies
4. Wrong Seat Adjustment - Many bicyclists have wrongly set their saddles too high or too low.  They either sway back and forth on the seat (too high) or they can't get proper extension of their legs (too low).  The saddle should be set so that, when you sit on it and put your heel on the pedal in its lowest position, your leg is just straight. Then, when you pedal with the ball of your foot (the proper way), there will be a slight bend in your knee.
5. Pedal / Coast / Pedal / Coast - Some cyclists pedal for a few revolutions and then coast for a while.  They do this all the way down the street.  It's a wasteful way to ride (uses too much energy!) and it gives motorists fits, trying to figure out whether the bicyclists are getting ready to turn or stop.  Concentrate on steady and easy pedaling.  It's a lot easier to keep up a constant speed than it is to speed up/slow down/speed up.
6. Riding with No Lights - You may not see them until it's too late but there are many bicyclists out there riding at night without lights.  They probably think that lights aren't needed just because they are only going a few blocks.  Unfortunately, most bike/car crashes happen within a few blocks of the bike rider's home.  Set a good set of lights and reflectors or else you should walk your bike at night.
7. Ignoring Stop Signs - Some bicycle riders think that stop signs and red lights are for "somebody else."  They want their rights to the road but won't accept their duties.  Few things make motorists resent bike riders more than this lack of responsibility.  Obey the traffic laws and all stop signs.
8. Riding Against Traffic - A common mistake made by many bicyclists, it may lead to accidents and traffic tickets.  Over one fifth of all car/bike accidents are caused directly by wrong-way riders.  Ride with traffic.  It's the legal thing to do and it helps motorists see you.  That reduces your chances of having an accident.

Provided by :
Bicycle Transportation
Ohio Department of Transportation
PO Box 899
Columbus, OH 43216-0899
(614) 644-7095