According to the website MassBike.org, a study funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that, in 1999, "there were 750 bicycling fatalities and 51,000 bicycling injuries resulting from traffic crashes in the United States." The number of bicycle fatalities, while decreasing from year to year, still accounts for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities. Using proper bicycle safety equipment helps reduce the number of traffic-related injuries, but should not, suggests the website BicycleSafe.com, overshadow what's most likely to actually save your life: learning the rules of the road and learning how to safely ride a bicycle.
Helmet
The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute website lists several helmets ranked by Consumer Reports that showed good test results, including the Giro Gila, Trek Vapor, Giro Torrent and Specialized Enduro Comp. BHSI says most of the other brands on the market were not studied but suggest you can do "just as well by finding a helmet that fits you well, is round and smooth on the outside and has a sticker inside certifying that it meets the CPSC standard." BHSI also suggests that your ideal bicycle helmet should manage as much energy as possible in a very hard crash.
Brake Pads
It's important that your bicycle's brake pads are in good working condition, and you should know the warning signs when your brakes need repair. If your brakes are squealing, it's likely that your pads are hitting your rim incorrectly. According to the website Cycling-mgi.com, "The sound of scraping may indicate that metal needs to be sanded out of the pads or that it is time to replace the pads. An inspection of the brake pads will let you know if they need to be replaced. Replace brake pads when there is about one-fourth of an inch left."
Lights
Riding with lights is one of the best ways to be seen while bicycling, especially at night. BicycleSafe.com says, "Headlights are just as important as rear lights. Look for the new kind with LED's since they last 10 times as long on a set of batteries as old-style lights." Lights typically are a cheap safety "must-have," and you should mount them so they are visible to oncoming traffic and traffic approaching you from behind. The strobe function on your front- and rear-mounted lights is particularly effective at grabbing motorists' and pedestrians' attention. Test your bicycle lights before mounting them, and carry a extra batteries.
Clothing
Clothing bearing reflective strips could save your life. According to the website MyCyclingAdvice.info, "Though not specifically required by law, many state cycling groups recommend wearing reflective clothing when biking. ... This is another safety benefit, ensuring you are able to be seen by cars and pedestrians." Another option is to wear a construction vest while bicycling at night. Construction vests are easily seen by motorists and are relatively cheap. If you're a bicycle commuter using panniers, place several strips of reflective tape on the front and back of your bags.
Bell
Bicycle bells help you signal your intentions, and they help you get the attention of motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists, especially in situations where your voice is drowned out by street sounds. Tinkling your bicycle bell is also a conscientious thing to do when passing another cyclist.
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