Bicycle Safety

Protect Your Bicycle from Theft

• Keep a record of your bicycle serial number, which you can usually find on the frame between the pedals.
• If your bicycle doesn’t have a serial number, mark your bicycle where your serial number would normally be by engraving your initials or a four-digit number of your choice.
• Lock your bicycle using a strong, secure lock. The Arlington County Police Department strongly recommends the use of a properly secured U-lock, rather than chains and cables, to deter theft.
• Secure the bicycle to a bike rack or any other immovable object.
• Secure both wheels of your bicycle.
• Register your Bicycle | en Español
• If your bicycle has been stolen, file an online Incident Report or call the Alternate Reporting Unit at 703-228-4300 and provide the following information about your bicycle:
  • Serial number
  • Proof of ownership (depending on the bicycle’s age, this may not be available)
  • Make
  • Model
  • Color
  • Any identifying marks

Know the Rules of the Road

• Obey all applicable traffic regulations, signs, signals and markings.
• Observe all local ordinances pertaining to bicycles.
• Keep right and ride with traffic, not against it.
• Ride no more than two abreast in accordance with Virginia Code 46.2-905
• Watch out for drain grates, soft shoulders and other road hazards.
• Watch out for car doors opening or for cars pulling into traffic.
• Note that the County requires all bicycle riders aged 14 and younger to wear approved bicycle helmets and recommends that all other riders wear helmets.
• Don’t carry passengers or packages that interfere with your vision or control.
• Never hitch a ride on a truck or other vehicle.
• Be careful at intersections and when making turns.
• Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping.
• Protect yourself at night with reflectors and lights.
• Ride a safe bicycle. Have it inspected to ensure it is in good condition.
• Ride your bike defensively — watch out for the other guy.

Drivers: Share the Road

• Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
• Search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles. Be especially alert in parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking.
• Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind for bicyclists approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
• Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid crashes.
• Give cyclists room and at least 3 feet of space when passing in accordance with Virginia Code 46.2-839.