Bicycle Safety In Deer Creek Canyon

Deer Creek Canyon is a popular bicycling location and each year Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue responds to many bicycle accidents.  While the number of injured bicyclists has declined in recent years, we hope to continue to reduce the number of injuries.  ICFR would like to encourage motorists and bicyclists to obey all laws and respect each other on the road.

Bicyclists have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle and can be penalized for violating traffic laws. Obey traffic laws, signs and signals   Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn or avoiding hazards

• Ride no more than two abreast, returning to single-file if riding two abreast would impede the flow of traffic
• On curving canyon roads without bike lanes or shoulders, play it safe and ride single file unless necessary
• Use hand signals to indicate right or left turns, slowing or stopping
• Use a headlight, taillight and reflectors at night
• Act like a vehicle on the roads -- bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities 
• Never assume motorists, deer or other cyclists see you.
   
• Wear appropriate gear to protect yourself: helmet, glasses and gloves.  Too many bicyclists hang their helmets on the handlebars, not on their heads.
• Expect the unexpected; your first responsibility is to be safe.  Bicyclists have been injured in Deer Creek Canyon, by collisions with the roadway due to gravel, and even the deer who live in the canyon.