There is nothing more exhilarating than coasting down a hill on a bicycle, wind at your back on a sunny day. In addition to it being a good form of aerobic exercise, bicycling is just plain fun. Accidents do happen, though. In 2009, 630 people died in bicycle crashes with motor vehicles, and another 51,000 were injured. It pays to know how to be safe when enjoying this sport.
Helmets
The importance of wearing a helmet cannot be emphasized enough. Wearing one can prevent three out of four serious head injuries. A head injury can mean a brain injury. In fact, helmets are so important that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has safety standards for them, and your helmet should have a sticker saying it has met these standards. You should wear a helmet each time you ride, even if it a short ride, and it should fit you properly. Always fasten the straps, and never wear a hat underneath it. The helmet should be worn level and cover your forehead.
Safety Tips
Besides wearing a helmet, you should obey all traffic controls and ride near the right-hand edge of the road, always with the traffic. Never carry another person on your bicycle. Always use hand signals when turning or stopping -- hand up for right, hand straight out for left and hand down for stop. Watch for cars at cross streets, driveways and parking places. Be careful not to swerve when looking over your shoulder. Allow pedestrians the right-of-way. Keep your bicycle in good condition, and always ride carefully.
Clothing
Wearing bright or fluorescent clothing and putting reflectors on your bike can help you stay safe. When other people are able to see you, they are less likely to run into you. Riding during the daytime is safer than riding at dusk or at night. Make sure that nothing you are wearing can get caught in your bike chain, such as shoelaces or loose-fitting pant legs. Wear sneakers when you bike. Avoid wearing sandals, flip flops or shoes with heels, and never bicycle barefoot. Riding gloves may help with gripping the handlebars. Do not wear headphones; they can keep you from hearing noises you might need to hear to avoid danger.
Where to Ride
Kids younger than 10 years old should ride on sidewalks and avoid the street. A bike path free of cars is the safest place to ride if your city has one. If you have to cross a busy road, it is best to walk your bike across it. Be sure to watch out for things like wet leaves, big puddles, changes in road or sidewalk surface, storm grates, gravel or rocks, curbs or little kids, because these can cause falls. Always watch out for cars and trucks, no matter where you ride. If you are going on a long ride, be sure to bring water along.
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