When riding a bicycle, you should follow bike safety rules that can help you avoid accidents and injuries. Many bicycle-related crashes that cause a death or injury happen because of the bicyclist's behavior, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safe bicycle riding involves learning the rules of the road and taking steps to protect yourself while riding your bike.
Wear a Helmet
Helmets cushion your head, protecting your head and brain from injury if you happen to fall from your bicycle. A properly fitted helmet covers the forehead without rocking back and forth on your head when the chin straps are fastened securely. If you are buying a helmet for a child, the helmet should fit the child's current head size and not be bought larger to allow room for growth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends replacing the helmet if it has been damaged.
Do a Pre-Ride Safety Check
Before beginning a bike ride, make sure that the tires are properly inflated and that brakes and chains are working correctly. When sitting on the bicycle seat, your feet should easily touch the ground. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children avoid riding bikes that are too large because the child may not have the coordination and skill needed to handle the bike and may lose control.
Follow Traffic Laws
When you are riding a bicycle, you need to follow the same traffic laws that cars do, such as stopping at stop signs and stoplights. Bike riders should ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Bicycles don't have turn signals, but bicyclists are expected to use hand signals when making a turn.
Watch for Hazards
A large pothole, a rock or even wet leaves on the road can easily cause you to lose control of your bicycle. While riding your bike, constantly scan the area in front of you for any hazards. Avoid riding close to parked cars. If someone inside the car opens a door when you are riding by, you can be thrown from your bicycle. Before crossing a street, look right, left and behind you for approaching cars. Pay particular attention when approaching driveways. Drivers may not be able to see you when backing out of a driveway.
Make Yourself Visible
It can be difficult for drivers to see bicyclists, particularly at night. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends wearing reflective markings and fluorescent, neon or brightly colored clothing while riding your bike. If you must ride at night, place reflectors on the front and back of your bicycle.
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