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.

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)

Columbus has passed an ordinance that requires all children from age 1 year to age 18 years to wear a bicycle helmet every time when riding a bicycle or participating in wheeled sports.
 

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.

Click Here for Easy Steps to a Perfectly Fitted Helmet

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.