Maintaining proper bicycling safety measures while riding can mean the difference between life and death. Safe bicycling usage includes maintaining the bicycle to ensure optimum performance on the road, being mindful and heeding all local road use laws, and wearing safety equipment like a fitted bicycle helmet. In the event of a bicycle crash, a helmet has the potential to save your brain from significant trauma and injury.
General Bike Safety
Responsible bike use requires safety-minded action on behalf of both the bicycle riders and others sharing the road. Bicyclists should be aware that motorists may not always be able to see them on the road. A good principle of safety is to make yourself as visible as possible while biking. This includes wearing bright or reflective clothing, ensuring your bike is properly lit with both tail and headlights, and signaling when making turns on the road.
Helmet Use
While there is no federal law mandating bicycle helmet wear, nearly every state in the U.S. requires helmets be worn by minors. Helmets have their own federal standards, enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Even if not legally required for adults, helmet use is strongly encouraged and could save the wearer from serious brain trauma in the event of a crash.
Bicycling Laws
In addition to helmet laws, states regulate various other laws for bicycle use. Because bicycles are considered personal vehicles, many states require bike usage to be limited to streets, not sidewalks, although this is up to the individual state to decide. Cities may also have lanes in the street dedicated solely to bicyclists. States such as California require lighting on bicycles in order to be street-legal at night. Lighting includes a flashing red light on the back of the bike, and an illuminating front-light. Check your local laws to see what is required for legal use specific to your area.
Bike Safety Tips
Safe biking is a matter of knowing yourself, knowing your surroundings, and knowing your bicycle. Keep yourself visible to drivers and err on the side of caution. Ensure your helmet is fitted, in good condition, and secure. Signal visibly with your hands to motorists when you intend to turn in the street. Make sure to keep your hands in control of your bike, and obey all normal traffic laws. Try to avoid riding at night if possible, and ensure that your bicycle is properly maintained and in good working order before getting onto the roads.
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