It is imperative to be knowledgeable about bike safety, even if you just like to ride occasionally and for short distances. There are many things you can do to protect yourself on the road, including wearing the proper safety equipment and being aware of road rules. Some simple precautions can keep you from getting seriously injured, and may ultimately even save your life.
History
Early bicycles had no pedals and no brakes--the rider controlled the bike by pushing and stopping it with his feet. Needless to say, these bicycles were not safe and lead to many accidents. It was not until 1863 that pedals were added, and early break designs emerged in the 1870s.
Features
Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets protect against brain damage and death. Helmets are required by law in many states. Many riders opt to mount a small mirror to the side of the helmet to increase their vision.
While riding on the road, a cyclist is under the same obligations to obey the traffic rules, lights and signs as a motorist. Be sure to stop at red lights and stop signs. Yield to pedestrians and be alert of what is happening around you.
Wear clothing that others are sure to see. Bright colors, and fluorescent, reflective material and lights are all examples of clothing that help a cyclist stand out to motorists.
Potholes, loose gravel, rocks, glass, animals, rail road tracks and other objects in the road can all be hazardous to a cyclist. When riding in a group point out the hazards with your hand to those behind you.
Let other cyclists and motorists know your intentions before acting so that they can respond accordingly. Know the hand signals and use them to indicate where you intend to go. This can prevent surprise movements and reactions.
Music hinders the ability to hear what is going on around you. Cyclists can react better and be warned of possible problems if they can hear a motorist honk, for example. Do not listen to music while riding on the road.
Ride to the right side of the road in single file, if possible, and never more than two abreast.
Wear an I.D. bracelet in case you are ever in an accident and cannot speak for yourself.
Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about riding safety. For example, just because you can see a motorist does not mean that she can see you. Many people also think that you should ride against traffic like you do when walking; however, you should always ride with the traffic flow.
Helmets are for anyone who rides a bicycle, not just children and serious cyclists. Cars and crashes don't discriminate.
Cyclists sometimes assume that they have the right-of-way and will be treated like a pedestrian. The reality is that they are subject to the same laws as motorists, and are therefore treated as motorists.
Significance
In 1997, according to the League of American Bicyclists, there were 833 fatalities and 61,000 reported injuries, as compared to 698 fatalities and 43,000 injuries in 2007--a decrease of about 14 percent. The federal government in 1997 spent $238.7 million as opposed to $564 million in 2007 on improving conditions for cyclists. These statistics show that with an increase in awareness (brought about through funding public awareness campaigns), the number of auto-related accidents and deaths decrease considerably.
Expert Insight
According to the BHSI (Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute), direct costs of cyclists' injuries due to not using helmets are estimated at $81 million each year. Indirect costs of cyclists' injuries due to not using helmets are estimated at $2.3 billion each year. Non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders.
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