Bicycle Safety

Posted by admin

December 2, 2008

Bicycle Safety is the first lesson to master before getting on your bicycle!

Wearing a suitable helmet while riding your bicycle can reduce the risk of brain injury, thus reducing the seriousness of an accident. This habit may also reduce the need for emergency treatment at a hospital or clinic.

Make your bicycle riding a safe practice by following simple bicycle safety tips.

Always wear a bicycle helmet, every time you ride a bike. Buy a helmet that is the right size and adjust the straps for a snug and comfortable fit while wearing it. As adults, you can show the example to children by wearing your bicycle helmet and keeping it buckled while you ride.

Your bicycle should be the right size, especially for children. A child must be able to place the balls of both of his or her feet on the ground when sitting on the seat with both hands on the handlebars. There must be at least a 1-inch gap between his or her crotch and the center bar while standing with both feet flat on the ground.

Safety tips:

Learn and follow the rules of the road.
Ride on the right side of the road with the traffic flow, not against it.
Obey traffic signs and signals.
Learn and use the correct hand signals.
Stop and look both ways before entering a street.
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Wear reflective clothing when riding at dawn or dusk, and especially when riding your bicycle at night.
Install a headlight and a rear reflector if your bicycle is not already equipped.
Your bicycle should be in good mechanical order, especially the brakes.
Use bike paths when available to avoid street traffic.

These examples and a little common sense will allow you years of safe bicycle riding.

Remember:

A bicycle helmet could save your life.
A bike that is too big or too small is a safety hazard.
Cycling at night requires special skills and equipment.