Health Tip: Practice Biking Safety

(HealthDay News) -- If you're out biking, make sure you follow the rules of the road to stay safe.

The Washington State Department of Transportation offers these recommendations:

• Follow all traffic signs and signals, pass only on the left, follow lane markings and ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Every so often, check behind you as you ride. Make sure you keep both hands on the bars.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, and always wear your helmet.
• Never wear headphones, so you can hear any cars and distractions.
• Use hand signals, and be on the lookout for road hazards.
• When biking at night, make sure you use a headlight and a rear reflector so drivers can see you.