Tulare County Association of Governments - Other Modes of Transportation

Bicycles

The 2010 Draft Bicycle Transportation Plan is available for review. Please submit comments by September 1, 2010 to Christine Chavez at chchavez@co.tulare.ca.us or call 559-624-7274 with questions about bicycle planning in Tulare County

Bicycling is seen as an alternative transportation mode. It is considered one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, wear on local roads, petroleum consumption and demand for additional roads. The Regional Bicycle Plan is intended to provide a backdrop towards making bicycling an integral part of daily life in Tulare County.

The Tulare County Bicycle Transportation Plan has been developed through the efforts of the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) and the member agencies - Dinuba, Exeter, Farmersville, Lindsay, Porterville, Tulare, Visalia, and Woodlake - local cycling clubs, local service clubs and citizens interested in improving the bicycling environment in Tulare County. Without the sustained efforts of these organizations and citizens, the Regional Bicycle Plan would not have been developed. Though prepared under the auspice of TCAG, this plan is intended to serve all local jurisdictions, and most importantly, the citizens of Tulare County.

The Tulare County Bicycle Advisory Committee is currently updating the Regional Bicycle Transportation Plan. To get involved or learn more about the updating process please contact Christine Chavez at TCAG - CHChavez@co.tulare.ca.us or 559-624-7274.

Updates and information regarding the Santa Fe Trail can be found here.

TulareCounty is the gateway to Sequoia National Park and the terrain provides for a variety of recreational activities. With a population of 441,481, Its family-oriented lifestyle and affordable housing have proven attractive to people from all areas of the state and country. TCAG helps local agencies manage improvements for area bike trails and routes. See below for some tips on safe bicycling in traffic.

Be Predictable – Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements. Remember that the rules in the drivers manual apply to bicyclists also.

Be Alert – Ride defensively and expect the unexpected. remember, bicyclists are more vulnerable.

Be Equipped – Always wear a helmet. It's the law for 18 year-olds and younger. (CVC 21212) Use protective gear and wear visible clothing.

	Obey Traffic Signs, Signals, and Laws – Bicyclists must follow the same laws as motorists. Stop at red lights and stop signs just as you would in a car.
	Do Not Pass on the Right – Wherever you ride, be cautious -- even when riding in a bike lane. When approaching an intersection or driveway, be especially cautious and do not overtake a vehicle on its right; it might turn right in front of you.
	Ride in the Middle of Narrow Lanes – When the lane is too narrow for a car to pass you safely, you may ride in the middle of the lane. You must move over to the right hand edge when it is safe to ride there.
	Use Hand Signals – Hand signals tell others what you intend to do. Signal as a smatter of courtesy and of self-protection.
	Follow Lane Markings – Do not go straight in a lane marked right-turn-only.
	Never Ride Against Traffic – Bicyclists must ride with traffic. Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.
	Riding on Sidewalks May Be Prohibited in your city – Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Give them an audible warning before you pass. Watch for vehicles at driveways and intersections.
	You May Leave a Bike Lane – When overtaking a bicycle, making a left turn, avoiding a road hazard/obstruction, or you are afraid a motorist might turn across your path, you may temporarily merge WITH CAUTION into the adjacent automobile lane for safety or better visibility.
	Scan the Road Around You – Look ahead and anticipate what other traffic is likely to do. Watch for cars, people, pebbles, grates, etc. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving.
	Ride With Both Hands Ready to Brake – You may need to stop suddenly at unexpected times. In rain, allow three times the normal braking distance.
	Be Visible at Night – The law requires a strong headlight (visible from at least 300 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible 500 feet from behind) at night or when visibility is poor. Wear light-colored clothes with reflective tape for extra protection (CVC 2120 ld).
	Ride in a Straight Line – Ride in a straight line and far enough from parked cars so you can avoid suddenly opened doors. Riding in a straight line allows others to anticipate what you are likely to do.
	Choose the Best Way to Turn Left – There are two ways to make a left turn: 1) Like an auto, signal, move into the left lane, and turn left. do not turn left from the right lane. 2) Like a pedestrian, use the crosswalks and walk your bike across the sidewalk.