Many people feel very safe riding beach cruisers. After all, the beach cruiser bike is designed to offer greater stability and sturdiness. Thick tires, wide seats and handlebars, and a sturdy design all make for smooth, comfortable ride as well as better overall stability. However, if you're riding on a street with cars, beach cruiser bicycle accidents can still occur. To keep safe, follow these guidelines:

1) In slow traffic, ride in the middle of the lane. This is especially true on busy intersections and in situations where you're moving at the same speed as traffic. Riding in the middle of the lane ensures that cars can see you and motorists can more easily stall if you do.

2) Notice and obey lane markings. If the lane is marked as “right turn only” do not go straight or turn left on that lane. Do not turn left from the right lane, either. Generally, obey the traffic rules and the lane markings the same way you would if you were in a car. The rules are there to protect both motorists and people on beach cruisers or bicycles, so never assume that the rules don’t apply to you because you are on a beach cruiser bike.

3) When riding your beach cruiser, do not pass on the right. Many motorists will not notice a bicycle passing on the right, and this can lead to an accident. User a rearview mirror or glance over your shoulder when passing to ensure that you can do so safely.

4) Make sure that motorists see you when you're on your beach cruiser. Making eye contact with drivers is one way to ensure that motorists see you. Wearing bright, reflective clothing is another sensible measure. Staying visible helps reduce the odds of an accident.

5) Exercise caution when turning left. There are two ways that you can turn left. One is to turn like a pedestrian, riding straight to the far side crosswalk and walking your beach cruiser bike across. Your other option is to signal you're moving to the left turn lane, just like a car, and then turn left. Evaluate the situation in which you are turning left, and choose the option that seems safest under the circumstances.

6) Stay aware of what is going on in the road behind you. Learn to ride your beach cruiser so that you can glance over your shoulder periodically without swerving or losing your balance. Thankfully, a beach cruiser bike, with its added stability, makes this relatively simple. You can also buy beach cruiser accessories, such as rearview mirrors, that make it easier for you to see what is going on in the road behind you.