In 2009, 630 died from crashing their bicycle with a motor vehicle, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation. Countless more experience fatalities or injuries due to falls and other accidents. Wearing the right safety gear while riding a bicycle can help prevent injuries so you can enjoy your bicycle for many years to come.
Bicycle Helmet
If you get into an accident or crash while riding a bicycle, a bicycle helmet is 88 percent effective at reducing or preventing injuries to your brain or head, notes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This makes the humble helmet the single most important piece of safety gear for bicyclists. Alas, only 25 percent of bicyclists wear a helmet. One additional factor may give you second thought if you think of skipping out on wearing this gear: it's the law in 21 states that all bicyclists wear a helmet.
Bright Clothing
Even if you're not riding a bike at night, it's essential that you wear bright, easy-to-spot clothing that helps draw attention your way. Many accidents involving other motorists involve the driver not noticing the cyclist. For the best results, wear reflective clothing or fluorescent colors. Alternatively, you can buy special reflective patches that you can stick onto your back and the back of your legs and arms.
Reflectors
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends purchasing reflectors for your bike. This helps you stand out at night when the reflectors become illuminated by the light of passing cars. The administration suggests putting reflectors on the back of your bicycle and the front, as well as on your helmet and any bicycle carriers you might have attached to the back of the bicycle. For even greater visibility, use a battery-powered reflector that flashes a blinking light.
Pads
If the rider of the bicycle is a young child who is likely to fall, such as those who are just learning to ride their bike, you may want to invest in elbow pads and knee pads. This helps to protect these vulnerable areas should the rider fall to the ground, thus minimizing the risk of sprains, scrapes and bruises.
Brakes
You might not think of your bicycle brakes as "safety gear," they're critical for keeping you safe while you're operating your bike. The Loyola University Health System advises checking your brakes every time you jump on your bicycle. Start pedaling your bicycle before squeezing your brake triggers. You should be able to stop within a couple seconds of braking. If your brakes screech or take a long time to slow you down, consult your bicycle's user manual for model- and manufacturer-specific guidelines on replacing the brake pads.
References
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Traffic Safety Facts
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Bicycle Helmet Use Laws
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Seven Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Summer Safety for Kids
- Loyola University Health System: The ABC's of Bicycle Maintenance
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