Rules of the road??

[jusdooit]

You are treated like a motor vehicle. In other words ride like you would drive. You should be moving with the flow of traffic, stop at all stop signs and red lights, ride as far to the right as is safe, use the left turn lane if available when turning left. Hand signals are left arm out straight to signal left turn, right arm out straight to signal right turn, left arm bent toward pavement to indicate slowing. I don't recommend sidewalks as they can be hit and miss moving you in and out of traffic. However if you opt for sidewalks you are then a pedestrian and crossings, meaning you should WALK you bike across the intersection, rather than ride.
Hope this helps, check local traffic laws for more specific instructions.

Cindy

[Owlie]

In many places, it's illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk.

[laura*]

ride as far to the right as is safe

Part of keeping safe means staying out of the "door zone", ie the area where car doors can suddenly open into.

Also, if it is momentarily not safe for a car to pass you using the same lane as you, then "take the lane". This means moving over more towards the center of the lane. You might do this on a narrow residential street when someone has parked on the bike lane.

[SadieKate]

Try reading their "Rules of the Road."
http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/.../roadrules.php

And it never hurts to know your state law.
http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/mass.htm

[Jolt]

I don't have much to add since the rules you're supposed to follow have already been covered. What part of MA are you in? We have some crazy traffic here but it is definitely possible to ride on the majority of the roads. One thing that wasn't mentioned yet (and doesn't really have to do with the rules of the road but is a good idea) is making sure you are highly visible when you're riding. Wear a really bright top, or a fluorescent reflective vest. People aren't necessarily expecting to see cyclists, so we need to stand out.

[Onix]

+1 on taking the lane. If I am on a really wide street that is only one lane (like a neighborhood), where people aren't driving fast, then I will get over to the right and share the road. But, if there is a lane for people to pass, of the road is too narrow for someone to pass you...then take the lane. This means riding in the middle of the lane. If you ride just right of center---it invites cars to pass you in the same lane, which they often can't do safely. This means that you are likely to get brushed/hit etc. etc.

Also, at stop lights, if you are a few cars back at a light, don't ride up in between or next to cars to get in the front (one of my pet peeves of cyclists!!).... this is annoying to cars, gives the rest of us a bad name, and also puts you in a dangerous place----- not only were you passing cars when they weren't looking for you, but you are putting yourself in a position where they have to pass you again after the light goes green.

Good luck and enjoy your bike!!!