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Facts and Safety Tips

Bicycle Safety Facts

In 2004 725 bicyclists were killed and an additional 41,000 were injured in traffic crashes. The 14 and under age group accounted for 18% of those fatalities. Males age 14 and younger accounted for 75% of the bicyclist fatalities.
Safety Tips


Bicycle fatalities occurred more frequently in urban areas (66%) during the months of June, July and August between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

(Source: NHTSA Bicycle Safety Tips)      


Tips for Buying a Helmet

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself while riding a bicycle is to protect your head with a helmet. A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 80 to 85%. It’s not enough to buy and wear a helmet, you need to make sure that it fits properly.

 

  • Purchase a helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
  • Select a brand and size that fits your child’s head now, prior to adjustments. Adjustable sizing pads are often included to help ensure a better fit.
  • The helmet should be comfortable and attractive. Your child will be more likely to wear it.
  • Replace any helmet that is involved in a crash or if it no longer fits properly.

 
Fitting a Bike Helmet Properly

 

  • Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rests low on your forehead – it should only be about 1-2 finger widths above your eyebrows.
  • The helmet should fit on top of the head in a level position and should not rock forward and back or from side to side.
  • The helmet must always be fastened firmly under the chin. Make sure the front and back strap junction lies under each ear.


Safety Tips While Riding Your Bicycle

 

  • Wear a bicycle helmet on every ride. Make sure it fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly.
  • Make sure the bicycle fits your child’s height, weight and age. When he/she sits on the seat, his/her feet should be able to touch the ground.
  • Wear light, bright colors.
  • Ride so drivers and other cyclists can see you. Bikers should ride one behind another and with the flow of traffic.
  • Look left-right-left for oncoming vehicles before turning or crossing a street. Go only when it is clear.
  • Use appropriate hand signals; respect traffic signals. Stop at all stop signs and stoplights.
  • Inflate tires properly and check the brakes before riding.

 

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