 |
|
|
Bike Safety - Be Bike Smart
Equipment Check List
Before you get started, it’s important to give your bike a quick check to make sure it’s in the right shape to ride safely.
- Make sure your bike is the proper size. A bike that is too big or too small will be hard to control. When you’re standing on the ground you should have a 1-3 inch gap between you and the top bar. You’ll need more room if you’re riding a mountain bike.
- Check to see if your bike seat is adjusted to the proper height. When you’re sitting on the seat with your foot on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent. This will help avoid knee strain.
- Make sure you have a reflector on the front and rear of your bike. The rear should be red and should be at least three inches across. Make sure the reflector is pointed straight back to reflect the headlights of cars that are coming up behind you.
- Check the bike’s chain to make sure it’s clean and lubricated. If it’s not, take it to the local bike shop for a check up.
- Check your brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheels skid on dry pavement, but you don’t want brakes that stick.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Top
Helmets
Do you wear a helmet when you ride your bike? Do your friends? We say when it comes to wearing helmets, just use your head!
The top four reasons kids say they don't wear a bike helmet and the reason everyone should.
Myth 1: Helmets aren't cool.
Fact: Helmets are designed to help prevent injuries to your skull and your brain. A serious fall or crash can cause permanent brain damage or death. PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE OR DEATH???!!! That's definitely not cool.
Myth 2: Helmets just aren't comfortable.
Fact: Helmets today are lightweight and well ventilated. They're actually a lot more comfortable than they have ever been. Just make sure to look for a standards sticker inside the helmet. Standards have been taken care of by a Government regulation requiring all helmets to meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard after 1999. In short, look for a CPSC, ASTM or Snell B-95 sticker.
Fit is not tested by the standards, so you must try the helmet on your own head. Visors are not tested for snagging, and they can shatter in a fall, cutting your face. If you use any add-on accessories you should examine them carefully and consider what they might do to you in a crash.
Myth 3: I have never worn a helmet and nothing has happened to me so far.
Fact: Bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time. Even professional bike racers get in serious collisions. More importantly, studies show that in three out of every four bike crashes, bikers get some sort of injury to the head.
Myth 4: I just don't want everybody to see me wearing a helmet.
Fact: Wait! That's just the point! Helmets make it easier for motorists, pedestrians, and other bikers to see you. If everyone can see you, they won't run into you.
Important Safety Tip:
Wear a helmet: Helmets can prevent head injuries-the main cause of death and disability. They make it easier for motorists to see you and avoid you!
A helmet is as much a part of the bicycle as the handlebars and tires. You don't want to ride without it!
Top
What to Wear
It makes sense to wear something brightly colored when you’re biking. Choose a color that makes you easy to see. If you’re biking in the forest, don’t wear green!
- Fluorescent green, yellow or orange are all great choices. If you’re wearing these colors, other bikers, motorists and pedestrians will be able to see you better.
- Look for fabrics that are cool and lightweight. (You can really work up a sweat biking!) If it’s cool outside, dress in layers. You can peel off clothing as you start to get warmer.
- For riding at night (which we don’t recommend for anyone) you’ll need clothing with retro-reflective materials sewn onto it. You’ll also need one light source, like a headlamp.
- Make sure the straps of your bookbag, loose clothing or anything else isn’t going to catch in the wheels of the bike, and cause you to lose control.
- Last but not least -- don't forget to wear your helmet!
What not to wear while your're biking:
- Headphones are a no-no! You won’t be able to hear what’s going on around you.
- Clothing that’s too loose.
- Inappropriate shoes. (High-heels, Slippers, Bowling Shoes)
- Dark Clothes
Top
Danger Zones
Here are some ways to avoid the "danger zones"
- Bikers should always stop and look for traffic when entering the road; especially from a driveway, alley or curb. Always stop at a stop sign or red light. A bike is a like a car when it comes to the rules of the road.
- Go with the flow of traffic. Ride on the right, the same way as a car.
- Avoid riding at night. Avoid dark conditions, narrow roads, and roads with cars traveling faster than 35 mph. If you have to ride at night, use reflectors, lights and retro-reflective clothing.
- Be predictable. Ride in a straight line. Look behind you before changing lanes or turning, use your hand signal and proceed carefully.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals. Walk your bicycle across busy intersections.
Some things in the street are more dangerous than you think! Watch out for:
- wet leaves
- puddles of water
- patches of ice
- loose gravel
- rocks
- broken glass
- cracks in the road
Be prepared to ride around obstacles: watch out especially for storm grates, railroad tracks and opening car doors.
Top
City Biking
Biking on main roads or in traffic can be dangerous. It’s crucial to stay alert and be cautious. Remember, you may be riding a bike — but you’re actually 'driving' the same way you would if you were in a car. Always follow traffic signals and road signs, just like cars do.
How can you make biking in city situations as safe as possible? Let’s find out. How many of these rules do you already follow?
- Always ride on the RIGHT. Remember to ‘go with the flow’. Never, ever ride against traffic. Cars will not be expecting to find a biker when they round a corner or go over a hill.
- Ride single file. When passing other bikers or pedestrians, let them know your position by shouting out something like, ‘On your left!’
- Always check behind you when changing lanes.
- Watch out for dangerous things in the road way. Road litter, potholes, gravel and storm gates can all cause you to lose control.
- Stop at all stop signs and at all street lights. Be extra careful at crossroads.
- Always signal before making a left or right turn. To make a left turn: look behind you, hold your left arm straight out and proceed carefully. For a right turn hold you left arm out and up in an ‘L’ shape.
- Keep control of your bike. Don’t swerve or make sudden turns. Drivers may not be able to react fast enough to avoid colliding with you.
- Ride at least 3 feet away from parked cars. Someone could open their door unexpectedly and well, yikes!
- Listen for cars approaching from the side or behind you.
- Don’t follow cars too closely (you may be in their blind spot).
- Know your road signs (ROAD SIGNS TEST) and obey them. A smart biker follows the rules of the road.
- (And finally!) Always be prepared to stop. Keep your hands on or close to the brakes.
Top
|
