Safe riding in a campground

Oregon State Park campgrounds buzz with activity almost all year long. Biking to reach your favorite spots can be an exciting adventure, but navigating a busy campground safely is essential. Keep these important rules and safety tips in mind to ensure a fun and incident-free experience.

1. Protect your noggin – Wearing a bike helmet is required for all bicycle riders under 16 years old, and it’s a good idea for everyone else, too. Helmets protect against serious head injuries, so make them a part of your biking gear. If you don’t own a helmet or forgot to pack one, some parks sell them at the visitor centers.
2. Go with the flow of traffic – Many campgrounds have one-way paved driving loops. Always follow the direction of traffic to help drivers see you and your children. Cycling against the flow can confuse drivers and increase the risk of collisions.
3. Slow down – Speed limits in campgrounds apply to cyclists too.  Remember to be cautious, look both ways, and navigate slowly, especially in high-traffic areas and teach younger riders to do the same. There’s a lot of obstacles—trees, bushes, vehicles, and other campers—so it’s crucial to ride carefully.
4. Be visible – Make sure you're visible to drivers. Be aware of blind spots on cars, trucks, and RVs (larger vehicles have bigger blind spots so make sure to give them more room!). Use lights and reflectors, especially during dawn and dusk. Bike lights not only add visibility but can also be fun.
5. Yield – Even in the campground, bicycles should always yield to pedestrians and equestrians. The best way to yield is to stop and ask how you can best move past them. This courteous approach ensures everyone's safety.
6. Pay attention to signs – Stop signs and other traffic signs in the campground apply to bikes as well. Remember that the rules of the road still apply, even in a campground and teach younger riders the same.
7. Store your bike properly – Don’t leave bikes in places where they might block paths or create a hazard. Improperly parked bikes can be damaged or stolen, so always put them away securely.

Biking in the campground can be a lot of fun for kids and adults alike! Learn defensive biking skills and share them with younger riders to prepare for your next camping trip. Teaching young riders to follow safety practices instills good habits that will serve them throughout their lives. By being prepared and mindful, you can embrace the adventure with confidence. So gear up, stay safe, and get ready to ride—joyfully and responsibly!

[Note: E-bikes including e-assisted bicycles are allowed in Oregon State Park campgrounds but not on all trails or everywhere on the ocean shore. Oregon rule requires e-bike cyclists to be 16 years or older. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is currently conducting a survey before e-bike rulemaking to see how the public currently uses e-bikes. The survey is available here and closes August 31, 2024.]