Bicycling in St. Louis | Photo Story

Designated bike lanes are well marked on our City streets. Be sure to follow directional markings and signs and heed traffic signals. With over 135 miles of street routes in the City of St. Louis, it's important that everyone share the roadway responisbly. 

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Wearing helmets and brightly colored or reflective gear, as well as having the appropriate reflectors on your bicycle, are some of the most effective ways to help your fellow travelers see you so that you stay safe on the roadways.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

When riding in groups, ride single file within designated bicycle lanes. Be sure to signal to alert oncoming traffic when appropriate.  During bicycling events, be sure to follow the predetermined routes where traffic has been diverted for safety.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Regardless of the type of roadway, be mindful of others along the way. Follow the same guidelines required of motorists such as; signaling, using the correct lanes, and obeying pavement markings and signs. Sharing the roadways responsibly means anticipating that there will be other bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists on the road and allowing for their safety, as well as your own. 

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Be sure to use hand signals designated for bicyclists so that know where you are intending to go. Share the road responsibly with everyone and never take safety for granted. 

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Sometimes bicycle and motorist lanes are combined. In these cases, follow the same rules of the road for motorists by obeying traffic signals, street markings and crosswalks.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Dotted lines indicate shared lanes where motorists may legally cross the line in order to turn or park. Stay alert and use hand signals in these situations. As a motorist, take special care to look for bicycles when crossing bike lanes.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

St. Louis Bike paths are open and accessible to all. Be alert and share the roadway with individuals who may need to ride a different type of bicycle to accomodate their physical abilities.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Keep your bicycle in good repair. Check and adjust breaks and tire pressure regularly. Carry a tire repair kit, water and a tire pump.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

Local businesses and government offices may choose to install bike racks. Remember to always secure your bike to the provided rack provided rather than using other fixtures. Racks are specially designed for this function and allow for optimal safety and convenience.

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff

The City of St. Louis works hard to provide safe street lanes and greenways for bicyclists. Now that you know some of the safety tips, roadway markings, and rules of the road, the only thing left to do is to have fun and stay safe!

Photo by Great Rivers Greenway Staff