Bike safety

Biking is a great way to get around and keep healthy, but it’s important to be safe. Remember, bikes are required to follow the same signs and rules as cars. Along with following the road rules, here are some key items to ensure your ride is as safe as it is rewarding.

Keep your bike in good working condition. Make sure your tires have the right amount of air, handle bars should be tight in place, chains should not be rusty and the brakes should work smoothly.

Always wear a helmet. This can help prevent serious head injuries and save your life.
If there are no sidewalks or bike paths, choose wide streets. Ride on a street whose outside lane is wide enough that it can easily fit a car and a bike side by side. This way if a car may zoom by and avoid hitting you, even if they don’t see you. When riding, leave at least 3 feet of distance when passing parked cars to avoid getting hit if the door opens.

Choose slow streets. The slower a car is going, the more time the driver has to see you. Learn your neighborhoods.

Get a mirror (and use it.) Knowing what is behind you is as important as what’s in front of you. If it appears a car doesn’t see you, you can hop off your bike and onto the sidewalk or roadside.

Don’t ride against traffic - ride with traffic in the same direction. Cars pulling out of driveways, parking lots and cross streets are often turning right. They are not expecting traffic to be coming the wrong way, may not see you, and could run right into you. More than 70% of car vs bicycle crashes occur at driveways and other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic.

Make sure you can be seen while riding your bike. Wear bright colors during the daytime and avoid riding at night – especially in dark clothing. If you do have to ride at night, you should absolutely use a front headlight; wear reflective tape and white or light colored clothing and ride only in familiar areas.

Always stay alert for hazards. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, drainage grates or anything that could make you fall. Use special care on bridges. Never wear headphones while riding as they impair your ability to hear any traffic.

Cinda Seamon, Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator – 843-682-5141.