Bicycle safety

Whether you are cycling, jogging, in-line skating, skateboarding or strolling, it's important to "Wear the Gear"

Wear a helmet that fits properly and is safety approved when cycling, in-line skating or skateboarding.
Elbow, wrist protectors and knee pads are recommended for in-line skating and skateboarding.
Wear bright clothing and reflective tape at night when walking, jogging, cycling or in-line skating.
And if you must wear earphones, keep the volume low enough to hear others approaching.

STOP before riding into traffic from a roadway, driveway, sidewalk, alley or parking lot.
Enter trail entrances and roadways with caution.
Obey all signs and signals. Walk your bike across the street in a designated crossing area.
Cycle defensively, be aware of what's happening around you.
Always use hand signals. . . Turn left - extend your arm straight out; Turn right - extend your left arm out and bend your arem down at the elbow; Stop - extend your left arm out and bend your arm down at the elbow.
Light the way. . . with front, rear and pedal reflectors and lamp.
Be aware of proper in-line skating and braking techniques.

Cyclists are considered vehicles on the road and have all the rights and responsibilities of drivers.

Wear a properly fitted, safety approved bike helmet.
Ride with the flow of traffic, never against it.
Obey all traffic signs and signals.
Use hand signals to let others know what you are going to do.
Ride as near to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway as possible.
Have reflectors on your bicycle, wheels and pedals.
Have a horn or bell on your bicycle to warn others you are going to pass them.
When riding at night, it is required by law to have a headlight, a red tail lamp and a red reflector on the rear of the bike.
Make sure your bike works properly - check wheels, brakes, gears and other rotating parts.
Always ride in single file.

Parents, help your children learn all bicycle safety tips along with these additional tips that help reduce specific bicycle injuries in children:

Make sure children wear a helmet as soon as they begin to learn how to ride a bicycle. It's the law!
Make sure children wear a helmet when they are riding in a child carrier seat or bicycle trailer.
Parents should act as role models by also wearing their helmets.
Do not allow children to place stickers or labels on their helmet - the glue can weaken the helmet and it will not provide proper protection.
Buy the correct size of bicycle for your child. Never buy one that they need to grow into.
Most bicycle injuries that occur to children are due to cyclist error. Teach children proper bicycle safety as well as the rules of the road.

Last updated: Monday, February 22, 2010
Page ID: 4290

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