Wear bright clothing.

Always wear a helmet.

Obey signs and rules of the road.

Be sure that your bicycle is in good working order.

Know your physical limitations.

Use hand signals.

Don't ride in heavy fog or other adverse weather conditions.

When making stops, make sure you are off the highway.

Be predictable. Don't make sudden moves.

Don't wear earphones. You need to hear what's in your environment.

Drink plenty of water while riding and don't wait until you are thirsty for a drink.

When passing another cyclist on the road, make your presence known by calling out "On your left" as you approach.

Carry a spare tube and/or patch kit, tire pump, tire levers, and whatever tools you may need to remove the wheel. Practice changing a tube at home before you encounter a flat on the road.

Be extra cautious in passing parked cars. That door just may swing out into your path. It's best to be at least three feet away from parked cars and to ride slowly past.

Carry a snack for when you lose energy. Hint: energy bars, fruit, raisins and fruit bars work much better than candy bars. Candy bars will give you a very quick lift followed by a quick depletion of your energy level to below what it was before.