You might think of bicycling as child's play, but adults need to be just as aware of proper bicycle safety as children. In fact, more adults than children are involved in fatal bicycle accidents. While many aspects of bicycle safety are common courtesy and common sense, you might want to explore more intensive safety refresher courses offered by your local cycling clubs, particularly if you haven't ridden in several years.
Significance
While the number of cycling-related deaths in the United States has dropped in recent decades---from more than 1,000 in 1975 to just over 700 in 2008---the percentage of those deaths that are adults has increased considerably, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In 1975, 67 percent of bicycle deaths were people under age 16. In 2008, 86 percent of the deaths were those over 16. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports more than 50,000 bicycling injuries in 2008, and the actual number is probably much higher due to unreported accidents on private property or off-road.
Preparation
Many aspects of safe bicycling should occur before you ever leave home. Wear bright colors so drivers can see you, and make sure your bicycle has both front and rear reflectors. Test your handlebars, wheels and brakes to make sure they are working properly. Adjust your seat so that your legs, when fully extended on the pedal, can bend slightly at the knee. As bicycles generally obey the same rules as cars, brush up on traffic laws as well as any special local laws related to bicycles, such as a requirement of using a light at night. Most important, buy and wear a helmet with an approval label from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Considerations
When riding on the street, stick to bike lanes if your city offers them. If this luxury is not available, stay with the flow of traffic on the far right side of the road. Stay in a straight line and wave at passing drivers to acknowledge them. Use your left arm to signal turns. Holding your arm straight out to the left signals a left turn, and bending it upward 90 degrees at the elbow signals a right turn. Always give pedestrians the right-of-way, and use your bicycle's bell to let them and other cyclists know when you come up behind them.
Warnings
Never listen to music through earbuds or headphones while riding a bicycle. These prevent you from hearing approaching traffic and might distract you from obstacles on the road, such as potholes or storm grates. When the road is wet or icy, ride slower and allow yourself more room to brake. Be especially careful when crossing bridges under such conditions.
Benefits
Though most states do not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, wearing a helmet decreases considerably your risk of serious injury. Cycling by far is the sport with the highest risk of head injury. About 90 percent of people who have died in bicycle accidents were not wearing a helmet, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
References
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Bicycles Fatality Facts 2008
- U.S. Department of Transportation: The National Bicycling and Walking Study
- U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Seven Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety for Adults
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: Helmet-Related Statistics
Member Comments