For cyclists:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet designed and approved for bicyclists.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Obey all stop signs and traffic signals.
• Don't forget to signal your turns.
• If a bike lane is provided, stay in it except to pass or avoid obstructions.
• Be predictable. Do not weave in and out of parked cars. Watch for people opening car doors.
• If there is no bike lane and the vehicle lane is wide enough to safely share with cars, ride to the right side.
• Do not try to share the lane if it is too narrow -- ride in the center. Cyclists call this "taking the lane."
• When proceeding straight through an intersection with right-turn lanes, move to the lane going straight and allow vehicles to turn right on your right side. When stopped at a signal, move to allow cars to turn right.
• When making a left turn, signal and move to the left before initiating the turn, just like an automobile. If you do not feel safe doing this, cross the street you want to turn onto. At the other side of the street, dismount and turn your bike in your desired direction, then proceed when it is safe and legal to do so.
• When riding at night, always wear light-colored or reflective clothes, and use both front and tail lights, as well as reflectors. The California Vehicle Code spells out bicycle-equipment requirements for night riding.

For drivers:

• Understand that it is perfectly legal to ride a bicycle on streets, so watch for cyclists. Cyclists are not required to ride on road shoulders, which are often full of debris or potholes.
  
• Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the roadway is narrow.
  
• Give cyclists enough room for their safety in case they have to maneuver around grates, parked cars or debris. Three feet is suggested.
  If the lane is too narrow to safely share, cyclists are entitled to the whole travel lane.
  
• In bad weather, give bicyclists extra trailing and passing room, just as you would other motorists. When uncertain in any situation, SLOW DOWN until it's safe to pass.
  
• Do NOT pass bicyclists if oncoming traffic is near. Wait as you would with any slow-moving vehicle. Your patience will only take a few seconds and can help prevent a serious crash or worse.
  
• Don't blast your horn when approaching bicyclists -- you could startle them and cause an accident.
  
• After passing a bicyclist on your right, check over your shoulder to make sure you have allowed enough room before moving over.
• Experienced bicyclists often ride 25-30 mph and may be closer than you think.
  
• Do not pass bicyclists if you will be making a right turn immediately afterward. Always assume bicyclists are traveling through unless they signal otherwise.
  
• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable -- expect the unexpected.
  
• When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would yield to oncoming motorists.
  
• When pulling over and stopping to talk on a cell phone (a good idea), don't park in the bike lane.
  

For pedestrians:

• Walk facing traffic and move to the curb when bikes approach, especially if you're walking two or more abreast.
  
• Be aware that the California Vehicle Code prohibits walking in a bicycle path or lane if there is an adjacent pedestrian facility (sidewalk).
  

Ryan Snyder of the Los Angles County Bike Coalition contributed to these tips.