“Sharing the road with bicyclists is very important, especially when commuting on busy city streets,” said Ken Bower, vice president and general manager for AlliedBarton Security Services, a provider of trained security personnel. “Novice and experienced cyclists need to make safety a top priority.

Bower offers the following tips on bicycle safety.

•Cyclists must obey traffic laws. Riding on the sidewalk is not always safer than riding in the street. Cycling on the sidewalk means dodging pedestrians, pets, garbage cans, parking meters and signs.

Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists should obey the same traffic laws as motorists. Travel on the right side of the road with traffic and do not ride on the sidewalk. Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings. Use proper hand signals before making any lane changes or turns.

•Choose a route that is safe for cyclists. When considering a route, don’t think like a motorist but like a cyclist. Pick the most pleasant route.

Consult Google Earth or Bikely.com to research the trip. Ask the local department of transportation if they have a bike route map. Talk to a professional at a bike shop or bike club to find out what routes are the safest.

Additionally, many cities have implemented bike lanes specific for bicycle commuters. Be aware of other users on bike paths, such as pedestrians with strollers or dogs.

Announce when passing on the left when overtaking someone on the bike path.

•Maintenance and repair make for a safer commute. Make sure all parts are in good repair, and check the brakes, tires and gears often. Have a bike expert teach how to carry out routine maintenance.

The bicycle should be equipped with reflectors and lights. The most common repair bike commuters encounter will be a flat tire. Also monitor for brake wear.

Many bicycle shops, community colleges, adult education programs or bicycle organizations offer workshops or classes in bike repair.

Replace the chain every 2,000 miles or so. Clean and oil the chain frequently, especially after riding in the rain, and replace it regularly.

•Park bikes securely. More than half of the 1 million bikes stolen every year weren’t locked. Find a solid object, a street sign or post and secure the bike onto it with one or more good locks. Make sure that the pole has something on top that will prevent the bike from being slid over it.

The safest object to lock a bike onto is a bike rack. At work, ask the manager or supervisor for a storage area where a bike can be kept for the day.

•Safety equipment. Safety begins with the helmet. Wearing an approved helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by up to 85 percent in the event of an accident. Modern helmets protect better and are well ventilated.

•Try to avoid riding a bike at night. Bikers who must commute in the dark will need effective lighting and reflective equipment. Most states require some kind of front illumination. Having a headlight and rear flashers is safer. A variety of inexpensive flashers are available.

Additionally, clothing should be bright and have reflective strips.

•Carry a small repair and firstaid kit when biking. For the minor repairs, carry a patch kit, a spare inner tube, an air pump and a multitool.