After walking and swimming, bicycle riding ranked third as the most popular recreational activity in 1991, according to the National Sporting Goods Association. Cycling is great exercise and an eco-friendly transportation method. However, it can be risky. Before you ride, always take steps to keep yourself as safe as possible on the road.
Statistics
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, has maintained a National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, called NEISS, since the early 1970s. According to NEISS, emergency rooms treat approximately 500,000 bicycle-related injuries every year. That does not include injuries treated in private clinics or physicians’ offices, which the CPSC estimates could bump the number of injuries up to 1 million annually. Additionally, there might be up to 1,000 bicycle-related fatalities each year.
Dress
The simplest thing you can do to protect yourself when riding a bike is to wear a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHSTA, helmets might reduce bicycle-related head injuries by 85 percent. Look for a helmet that complies with the CPSC standard, and wear it every time you ride. Your helmet should fit snugly and sit flat on your head. Use the extra padding packaged with the helmet when fitting it for a child. In addition, always wear fluorescent or neon-colored clothing when riding a bike. You can purchase bright orange vests that have reflective trim, dramatically increasing your visibility to motorists.
Equipment
Ride a bike that fits you. Stand over the top tube of your bicycle, and measure the clearance between you and the top bar. For road bikes, the measurement should range between 1 and 2 inches; increase the clearance to 3 to 4 inches for mountain bikes. Inspect your bike before every ride. Test your brakes, and ensure they are properly adjusted. When fully applied, the hand brake levers should not touch the handlebars. Brake pads should show even wear and should be no further than 1/8 inch from the rim, according to NHSTA. Consult your owner’s manual or take your bike to a bicycle shop to adjust the brakes, if needed.
Traffic Law
Your bike is a vehicle and is subject to all the same rules as motor vehicles, according to NHSTA. Read your state’s driver’s handbook to acquaint yourself with the rules of the road. While riding, you must go with the flow of traffic, obey traffic signals and follow all traffic signs.
Expert Insight
The Washington State Department of Transportation offers several great tips to keep you safe while riding. Learn to scan the road behind you by looking over your shoulder, or install rear-view mirrors on your handlebars. Always keep your hands ready to brake, and brake far in advance if riding in the rain. Lock eyes with drivers to ensure they see you. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for road hazards like sewer grates, ice, gravel or sand.
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