Get on your bicycle and ride safe

DEM Blogger

April 29, 2019

Biking is a great way to stay in shape, have fun and get from place to place.  Biking can also be dangerous if you do not follow proper safety guidelines. There were 840 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2016 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The following tips can help you decrease your risk of injury.

The first tip is to ALWAYS wear your helmet and adjust the helmet to fit properly.  The helmet should sit two finger-widths above your eyebrows.  The side straps of the helmet should be adjusted to form a “v” shape under your ears.  The chin strap should be tightened until no more than two fingers can fit under the strap and the buckle should be centered under your chin.

Before you begin biking, check your equipment.  Make sure your brakes work, tires are inflated, and your bike is adjusted to fit.

To check your bike adjustments, stand over your bicycle. There should be one to two inches between you and the top bar for road bikes and three to four inches for mountain bikes. The handlebar and seat should be level, and the height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when your leg is fully extended.

When biking, watch the road and make sure you are seen! Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors.  Also, wear something that reflects light to ensure people notice you!  Look both ways before entering traffic. Keep two hands on your handlebars, except when signalling. Communicate with other drivers on the road. Stay alert and watch for any hazards.

Again, biking is a great way to commute and fun way to stay in shape! But remember, it is important to be cautious in order to stay safe! Think about these tips next time you decide to ride your bike!

For more information about bike safety visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety