You can avoid a bicycle injury easily by learning a few
safety rules and using proper clothing and gear. A few of the
basics: Don't wear loose clothing or a long coat; they
can get caught in the bicycle chain. Put clips or rubber bands
around the bottom of pants legs. When riding at night, wear
light-colored clothing. Wearing armbands, legbands, or vests
that glow in the dark helps assure that drivers will see you.
Always wear a helmet when riding your bike.
Learn and obey all traffic rules, signals, and signs if
you ride in the street. Teach bicycle safety to your children
by setting a good example. Don't let children under age 8 ride
in the street. They should ride on bike paths and sidewalks
instead.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Follow these
SAFETY RULES:
Obey all street signs. Use the correct hand signals
before you turn or stop.
Ride single-file on the right side of the street
with traffic. Always keep at least one hand on the
handlebars.
Always stay a car door's width away from parked
cars. Watch out for opening doors.
Be alert for vehicles turning right or oncoming
vehicles turning left in front of
you.
Watch for vehicles exiting a
driveway.
Never assume that you have the right of
way.
Always cross train tracks straight on. Don't ride
over sewer grates.
Don't ride in puddles, potholes, sand, gravel on
the pavement, or glass and debris that might cause loss
of control.
Don't carry anyone on the handlebars or back
fender.
If you are transporting a young child, use a child
seat attached to the back of the bike or a
trailer.
Don't hold onto any other moving vehicle while
riding.
Always use the following
EQUIPMENT:
Make sure the bicycle fits the
rider.
Wear eye protection to guard against bugs, flying
gravel, and the sun's rays.
Carry your things in a backpack or on a bicycle
rack to keep your hands free for steering and to keep
packages out of the way of moving bicycle
parts.
Wear riding gloves to protect your hands in case of
a fall.
Equip your bicycle with back and side red
reflectors, a white front headlight, and a rear-view
mirror.
Make sure the brakes and tires are in good working
order.
Take a water bottle with you, especially on long
rides.
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