Riding a bicycle is a cardiovascular activity that takes you places, but if you're careless, a bicycle can get you sent to the emergency room. More than 500,000 bicycle riders each year in the United States go to emergency rooms for injuries related to bike riding. Bike safety is more than wearing the proper gear--safety also includes being an observant rider.
Function
Bicycle safety begins with having the right bicycle. From your helmet to your bicycle, your cycling gear should fit properly for your height and weight. Begin by checking your bicycle. Are the tires fully inflated and the brakes working? If your knee bends slightly and is almost fully extended when you sit on the seat with your feet on the pedal, your seat is the right height. Does your bike have reflective tape or reflectors on some portion of its surface? It's a good idea to have flashing lights on the front and back of the bicycle.
Helmet Features
Helmets are one of the most important aspects of bicycle safety because riders not wearing a helmet are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal bike accident than those wearing a helmet, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Just as fit is important when selecting a bicycle, it is vital to helmet safety. If your helmet has been involved in a previous crash, appears scratched or dented or is not a highly visible color, get a new one. When you put the helmet on your head, it should fit snugly and not wiggle easily from one side to the other. Your helmet should be positioned where you can place two finger between your eyebrows and helmet, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The helmet should have a buckle that securely fastens; you should not be able to fit more than two fingers underneath the strap.
Geography
Where to ride is an important aspect of bike safety. Some areas are too congested with traffic, poorly lit or contain hazards such as leaves or potholes. Bike paths are generally a fine place to bicycle because they have been expressly created for the purpose of cycling. However, a cyclist should still be observant for others who may frequent the path, such as runners and dog walkers, according to KidsHealth.org. Obstacles that should be avoided in a bike route include piles of wet leaves, large potholes or puddles, gravel, tall curbs and heavy traffic areas.
Considerations
Obeying the rules of the road while on your bike will keep you safer. Ride on the right-hand side of the road so you are cycling with the traffic, according to KidsHealth.org. Keep your hands on the handlebars at all times and cross only at intersections, looking both ways before you venture across the street. Street signs, traffic lights and other road landmarks should be obeyed. If you are riding with another person or several people, ride in a single-file line.
Warning
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the average age of cyclists killed on bicycles is 40 years old. While many consider cycling injuries or fatalities a children's problem, cyclists of all ages and abilities can be injured or killed in bicycle crashes. The CDC recommends that cyclists remember that they are considered "vehicle operators" and must follow the rules of the road just as others do. By the same token, when you or any other person is operating a vehicle, sufficient space should be given to a cyclist. Provide cyclists with at least 3 feet of clearance behind, in front and to the side.
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