Riding a bike can be a lot of fun and is an excellent way to get around while staying in shape. But bike accidents are no joke. Bicycle accidents can be serious if you’re not careful. It’s important that you follow bicycle safety tips to limit bike accidents.
How to Stay Safe While Riding Your Bike
Wear Proper Safety Gear
⦁ It’s very important that you never ride a bicycle without protective safety gear. Bicyclists should always wear a helmet, and it is highly recommended that gloves be worn. Also, consider knee and elbow pads.
Choose the Right Bike for the Ride
⦁ Different bikes have different purposes. Road, hybrid, and comfort bikes are best for use on roads. In contrast, mountain bikes are perfect for gravel and off-road cycling.
Check Your Bike Before You Ride
⦁ Make sure that your bicycle chain, derailleurs and brakes are in good condition. These parts are essential for the safe and dependable operation of your bike. Make it a habit to check these before each trip.
Check Weather Forecast Before the Trip
⦁ Slippery roads and heavy winds can make for a dangerous ride. Avoid riding in bad weather. Always check the weather forecast to prepare yourself and your bicycle. Have proper rain gear available with you in case of unexpected weather.
Make Yourself Visible Both Day and Night
⦁ Making sure you’re visible to traffic and pedestrians is critical for safety. Wear bright colors during the day. Wear clothing with reflective strips during the night. Consider bike lights.
Always Obey Traffic Lights and Signs
⦁ A lot of cycling accidents are due to cyclists riding through red lights and stop signs. Cyclists share the road with vehicles. Obey traffic lights and signs just as you expect cars to.
Limit Distractions While Riding
⦁ Avoid texting, phone calls, or listening to music while riding your bike. Roads and trails can always present surprises and demand a level of concentration.
Install Side Mirrors on Your Bike
⦁ Install side mirrors on your handlebars. That way you won’t have to keep looking over your shoulders while moving through traffic. This way you can always keep your eyes on the road. There are also rear-view mirrors designed to be attached to a bike helmet.
Keep Hydrated While Cycling
⦁ Riding makes you sweat, which means you lose a lot of water. Many riders overlook the dangers of dehydration while riding. This can affect your judgment and reaction time. Always keep a bottle of water on your bike.
Keep Your Hands on the Handlebar as Much as Possible
⦁ Keep your hands on the handlebar unless you’re signing to other bikes or vehicles. Also, slow down around road hazards.
Always Ride with Traffic
⦁ Cars will never expect to see you on the left side of the road, which makes riding against traffic dangerous. Also, if you ride against the flow of traffic approaching cars are coming at you much quicker.
Ride in Groups
⦁ Riding in a group is safer because a group is more visible to vehicles. Also, if something does happen you have others near who can help.
“Ride Right”
⦁ The safest place for bicycles is to the right of car traffic. Try to ride your bike where cars and other cyclists will expect to see you. If you try to make your own rules while riding, the risk may catch up to you.
Don’t Count on Eye Contact Alone
⦁ Eye contact is essential to have a mutual understanding of those around you in traffic, but listening is also important. Never wear headphones or earbuds while riding. You might also need to make some noise using a bell or horn to alert those who aren’t aware of visual cues.
Keep a First Aid and Repair Kit for Emergencies
⦁ Make sure you have a first aid kit that includes medical supplies and essential bike repair tools. Consider having your phone, wallet and cash with you at all times.
How to Ensure Bicycle Safety for Kids
⦁ Children should always wear proper safety gear. This includes a helmet, knee and elbow pads.
⦁ Children under 9 years old should always have adult supervision. They should also never ride their bike in traffic.
⦁ Consider placing a name tag on your child’s bike with essential information. This includes full name, blood type, address and contact number.
⦁ Teach your kids to always look left and right before crossing a road with their bikes, even if the road seems empty.
⦁ Dress kids in bright colors, especially after dark. Make sure their clothes and bicycle have reflective strips or LED lights. This will make them visible in low-light situations.
⦁ Teach kids to avoid distractions while riding their bikes. Make sure they know they can have fun on their bikes in safe places but not while on the roads.
Should a situation arise in which your child needs to be admitted to a hospital, remember that Hendricks Regional Health’s dedicated pediatric unit is staffed 24/7 to care for children from birth to 18 years.
Learn more at hendricks.org/pediatrics
