Whether you ride your bike for leisure, exercise or to get from Point A to Pint B, doing it safely is critical. More than 700,000 visit emergency rooms each year as a result of bicycle injuries, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. More than 700 Americans get killed annually in bike accidents. Taking the necessary precautions each time you ride could be a life-or-death decision.
Wear Helmet
The single-most important element of bike safety is to always wear a helmet. Bike helmets reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. Even kids riding tricycles or those pulled in bike trailers should wear a helmet, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. Bike helmets should fit snugly and securely, and sit flat on top of the head. Make sure your bike helmet meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. All helmets made after March 1999 must meet these guidelines. Replace your helmet if you have been in a crash or accident.
Riding at Night
Whenever possible, avoid riding your bike at night, when visibility is poor and motorists may have difficulty seeing you until it is too late. Young children should never ride their bikes in the dark, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises. Adults who ride at night should use bikes that have reflectors that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. You should also wear light-colored clothing and reflective clothing, particularly on your helmet, back, wrists and ankles. If possible, install bright lights on your bike to make you more visible. Even when riding during the day you should dress to be seen. Wear fluorescent, neon or light-colored clothing.
Bike Maintenance
Riding a well-maintained bike plays an important in bike safety. Always check your bike's brakes before riding. Also make sure the wheels and handlebars are secure and the tires properly inflated before hitting the trails or the road.
Rules of Road
Because bikes legally get classified as vehicles, bicyclists must follow the rules of the road at all times. Go with the flow of traffic -- riding on the right side of the road, and always stop at an intersection as you would if you were in a car and signal your intentions to vehicles traveling nearby. More than 70 percent of all accidents involving a bike and a car occur at intersections, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises, so following this rules becomes vital.
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