Safety & Education

Educational Toolbox

All ages, from children to adults, benefit greatly from knowing at least the basics of how and where to bike, walk, and drive properly and safely in order to have a positive experience. Traffic statistics show that cyclists, pedestrians and motorists who follow the rules of the road ride safely together - making life better for all of us. And it's working! The League of American Bicyclists has designated Springfield a bronze level Bicycle-Friendly Community! If your company, school or group would like to know more about bicycle safety education, or request a presentation, let us know.

Bike route & trail maps
Bike Safety Video
Safe Routes to School
Smart Cycling Quick Guide
Bike Walk & Wheel Week - in May
Lunch & Learn's for Workplaces
Bike Helmet Safety - pdf
Bike Safety Word Seach - pdf
Bike Safety Word Scramble - pdf
Bike Safety Maze - pdf

Rules & Tips - Biking Basics

1. Be aware!
2. Obey traffic laws - Learn to bike properly and safely
3. Use designated bike routes - Greenway trails and on-street bike routes
4. Wear a helmet - Fitted and covering forehead
5. Communicate with traffic - Through eye contact and hand signals (pointing works well!)
6. Ride with traffic - Not against it
7. Be visible - Wear bright clothing, reflectors and lights
8. Merge into turn lanes like a car - Take the center of the lane at stops and turns
9. Watch for parked car doors opening
10. Wear leg bands to keep pants from catching in chain
11. Have fun!

Trail Etiquette 

1. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset
2. Springfield-Greene County Park Board ordinances apply to the trails
3. Trails are for non-motorized use only, including bicycling, walking, running, skating
4. Travel on the right-hand side of the trail
5. Pass on the left and announce your presence before you pass
6. Walkers/hikers/runners - avoid being 2 or more side-by-side, espcecially around corners and when the trail is busy
7. Cyclists - travel at safe speeds, announce when passing and avoid being 2 or more side-by-side. 10mph is posted along most paved trails in Greene County 
8. Everyone - proceed in single file when approaching others, when the trail is busy, and around curves and under bridges
9. Use caution at road crossings
10. Keep dogs on leashes and under control
11. Clean up after your dog - scoop the poop
12. Wear a helmet when biking - especially children
13. Avoid using trails during unfavorable conditions
14. Respect private property - stay on the trail
15. Report unsafe paved trail conditions in Greene County to the Park Board (417) 864-1049
16. Report unsafe trail conditions at Fellows Lake and Sac River Mountain Bike Trails to Ozark Greenways at (417) 864-1942
17. Report illegal activity by calling 911

Rules of the Road

1. The rights and duties of people operating bicycles on a roadway are the same as the rights and duties of the driver of any vehicle on the roadway.
2. Any person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signs, signals, and markings. When dismounted, the bicycle operator shall obey all rules for pedestrians.
3. A bicycle should only carry the number of people for which the bicycle is equipped with seats.
4. Bicycles must be operated near the right-hand side of the roadway no more than two abreast.
5. The bicyclist entering a roadway from an alley, driveway, or building shall yield to all traffic in the roadway and pedestrians in the roadway or on a sidewalk.
6. No person shall ride a bicycle on a sidewalk within a business district. Whenever a person is riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, such person shall give an audible signal (such as stating “on your left”) before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
7. Each bicycle operated during darkness must be equipped with a light and reflectors.

Bicycling on Springfield’s Streets 

A beginning cyclist might feel nervous about certain streets. That’s good. That shows a healthy respect for safety. The following pointers will help to make the journey safe and fun.

When rules are followed, bicycling is one of the safest modes of transportation.

1. Protect yourself. Be noticed. Wear bright clothing. Use lights and reflectors on your person and bicycle in low light. Wear a bicycle helmet. Use your eyes and ears to detect traffic, trains, and warning signals.
2. Obey all traffic rules. Bicycles are not toys. They are legal vehicles. Those who operate them on city streets must obey the traffic laws. Stop at all stop signs and red lights. Yield to traffic according to the Missouri traffic code. Yield to pedestrians when appropriate.
3. Position in the lane for speed. If slower than other traffic, stay to the right. If riding the same speed as traffic, use the center of the lane. If faster than other traffic, overtake on the left.
4. Stay out of the door zone. When riding along a line of parked cars, allow four feet between yourself and the cars.
5. Take the lane when appropriate. The law says bicyclists, as slower traffic,“shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as safe.” There are times when taking the lane is necessary for the safety of all traffic.
6. Don’t forget safety in bicycle lanes and on greenway trails. Dedicated lanes and trails for bicycles provide safe and efficient routes in certain areas of Springfield. Be aware of other users of these facilities—especially pedestrians.

Get yourself and your bike ready

1. Check air, brakes, crank, chain, cogs, quick releases and general operation before a ride
2. Have basic tools: cell phone, tire pump, spare tire, tire levers, multitool
3. Fit helmet: Level on head to be two finger widths above eyebrows, "V" below ears, two fingers below chin
4. Dress for comfort considering the length of your ride and expected weather
5. Water if out longer than 30 minutes
6. Snack if out 2 hours or longer

Select Your Route

1. Review The Maps - Use trail and routes where possible
2. Select streets with low traffic volume and slow speeds
3. Look for streets that parallel 4-lane highspeed streets
4. Practice your route during Bike to Work Week in May