Bike Safety

Many of our Career Training participants use bicycles to get to their internships and training programs or just for fun. Cycling is one of the best ways to get around – it's cheap and improves your health and fitness. Plus, it's good for the environment!  We want to make sure that you are aware of the hazards of cycling in the U.S. and to prepare you for cycling in your host city. Even if you are an experienced cyclist in your home country, the rules on the road in the U.S. may be very different to what you are used to.

Please read and follow these important safety tips:

ALWAYS

• Check your bike before your first ride: make sure the brakes and gears are working well and that reflectors and lights are installed and working properly.
• Wear a bicycle helmet
• Install reflective lights on your bike, especially when riding at night. You must be seen on the road!
• Ride on the right hand side of the road, in the same direction with the traffic
• Make sure you are visible to drivers – wear bright clothing
• Pay attention to cars and trucks on the road – they may not be used to sharing the road with cyclists
• Pay attention to local traffic laws. Every state has different cycling rules. Learn about them before you ride!
• When making a turn, use hand signals and always look behind you
• In popular tourist areas, pay attention to slow moving vehicles and people crossing the road
• Ride at least three feet away from parked cars to avoid collision with opening doors
• Stop at red traffic signals and pay attention to road signs
• At traffic lights, stop behind cars, not beside them
• Use your bike bell to alert others of your presence

NEVER

• Bike under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Text, talk on your cell phone or listen to music while biking
• Allow anyone to ride with you on a one-person bike. If you need to travel with a friend and they don't have a bike, walk together or take public transportation.
• Bike too fast in towns and busy pedestrian areas

Bicycle Safety classes are offered in many cities throughout the US. A quick Google search should turn up some bicycle safety classes in your area. In NYC, there are some free bicycle safety classes available here: http://www.bikenewyork.org/education/classes/traffic1.html

If you are outside NYC, you can check out these websites below for more information and local resources on bike safety:

• http://bikingrules.org/rules/streetcode
• http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/
• http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/

For more information about bicycle safety, visit:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• 
BicycleSafe.com

InterExchange Career Training USA is a top J-1 Visa sponsor for university students and young professionals who have already secured internships or training programs with companies in the U.S. If you still need to find an internship or training program in the U.S., check out our resources and start the J-1 Visa sponsorship process early.