Bicycle Safety Tips

It’s bicycle season! Our family loves to hit the bike trail every free weekend we have during the summer. Right now we’re spiffing up the bikes, checking  gears, oiling chains, and preparing our bikes to hit the trail. We only have one major repair to make this Spring. I think we need to replace a tire on my husbands bike. The rest of the bikes will be ready to go with a few minor tune ups.

The American Academy of Orthapedic Surgeons (Say that 5 times really fast!) has a few bicycle safety tips to share with you.

• Always wear a helmet approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• Make sure the helmet fits snugly but comfortably and does not obstruct vision. It should have a chin strap and buckles that stay securely fastened.
• Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 95 percent.

• Make certain the bicycle is the proper size for the rider. Appropriately sized frames, handlebar and seat heights, as well as understanding of gear systems, help reduce fractures or sprains.
• Consider wearing knee, wrist and elbow pads to protect bones and joints when falling.
• If you fall off a bicycle, maneuver yourself far away from other danger like moving traffic.
• Proper supervision of younger riders at all times. It is recommended that younger children ride only in enclosed areas.

Here are a few additional tips they offer to help make your bike riding experience more enjoyable and to help you stay safe.

• Wear bright fluorescent colors and avoid biking at night. If biking at night, make sure to have rear reflectors and a working headlight visible from 500 feet away.
• Avoid plastic pedals, which can be slippery when wet and cause your feet to stray off the pedal.
• Stay alert and watch for obstacles.
• Consider using training wheels for young and first-time riders.
• Ride in the direction of traffic and be aware of surrounding traffic.
• Obey all rules of the road; bicycles are vehicles, too.
• Do not ride double, attempt stunts or go too fast.
• Avoid loose clothing and wear appropriate footwear. Use pant leg clips to keep clothing grease-free and out of the bicycle chain.
• Avoid riding on uneven or slippery surfaces. All types of brakes may not work as well when wheels are wet and require more distance to stop.
• Drinking enough fluids, stretching and scheduling routine activity can help avoid injuries related to overuse.
• Ensure the bicycle is properly adjusted for your height and well-maintained. Replace broken or missing parts.

Bike riding is a wonderful family activity, and great exercise if you take a few precautions to make sure that you do it safely.

Image via sxc.hu