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

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.