Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicycle riding is fun and healthy, but only if you remember some important safety hints.

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Safety Tips

Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly. Remember to:

Always wear a bicycle helmet. it could save your life.

	Inflate tires properly and check brakes before riding.
	See and be seen. Always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding during the day.
	Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.
	Avoid riding at night; it is far more dangerous than riding during the day. if you have to ride at night, wear something that reflects light. Make sure you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bike (lights are required).

Riding Practices

Bicycles are considered to be vehicles and bicyclist must obey the same rules as motorists. When riding always:

	Ride single file in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow of traffic --- not against it!
	Obey the traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
	Signal your moves to others. Be courteous to pedestrians and other vehicle operators.
	Most bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic by looking left-right-left.
	Stay alert at all times. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you loose control of your bike.
	When turning left or right always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left or right-turning traffic.
	Ride so other drivers can see you. Stay out of drivers' blind spot.
	Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening).

Buying A Bike Helmet

Buy a helmet that has been tested and meets the uniform safety standard issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards like ASTM, Snell or ANSI. You can tell this by looking for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the standard.

Select a brand and size that fits well prior to any adjustments. Adjustable sizing pads are often included to help ensure a better fit. Buy one that's comfortable and attractive. You'll be more likely to wear it.

Buy a helmet that fits your child now, not a helmet to "grow into."

Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash.

FACT: A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85-88%. But it's not enough to simply buy and wear one - you need to make sure it fits properly.

Bike Helmet - A Correct Fit

Position

Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rests low on your forehead - it should only be about 1-2 fingers width above your eyebrow.

Pads

Put foam pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really snug. Usually, the helmet includes more than one size of foam pads that can be velcroed inside the helmet for a better fit.

Straps

Tighten the chin strap as snugly as possible. Adjust the junction of front and back straps just under the ears and secure back strap without putting pressure on the front strap.

A good helmet fit is as important as wearing one...but it takes time. If fitting your child, don't try to "rush" it as they are trying to go outside to ride. Do it while they're relaxed and you have plenty of time. Then secure the adjustments so the helmet is ready for the next ride.

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