Every year in the United States, bicycle-related deaths number about 900 and emergency rooms treat almost 500,000 people for bicycle-related injuries, most to the head. Bike mishaps in the U.S. send more children to the ER than any other sport. Proper use of a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 88%.
Regardless of your age, it’s wise to follow these bicycle safety tips:
- Always wear a helmet that meets one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards like ASTM, Snell, or ANSI.
- Make sure your helmet fits properly and is level on the head. It should not be tilted back on the crown or pulled low over the forehead. It may take time to ensure that a helmet fits properly, but it is worth the effort.
- Before taking your bike out for a ride, make sure it is in good working order and properly adjusted.
- Wear the proper clothing to help make sure that motorists and pedestrians can see you easily. Reflectors on you and your bike can help make you more visible.
- Ride on marked paths and safe areas whenever possible.
- When riding your bike on the street, always go in the same direction as car traffic.
- Stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and potential dangers like potholes or debris.
- Never ride with another person on the handlebars.
- Keep at least one hand on the bike’s handlebars at all times.
- Know and use the proper hand signals for bike riding.