Bicycle Safety – Riding Tips

10 Tips for Safer Cycling

• Wear your helmet. Follow this simple rule and you reduce your risk of serious injury by as much as 85 percent.
• Keep your head up and look ahead, not at the ground. You need to see what is coming up so you have time  to react and maneuver.
• One person per bike. Riding with unsecured passengers puts you at risk for injury to yourself and others.
• Ride in single file with space between bikes.
• Ride on the right side of the road, never against traffic. Otherwise, you are at risk for an accident – or a ticket.
• Plan ahead if you will ride in a group. Agree on the route ahead of time. Have a plan on what you will do if separated by traffic.
• If you will be riding in an unfamiliar area, check out local laws and rules first.
• Avoid busy roads and peak traffic times on your route.
• Before riding at night, ask someone to help you check your visibility to motorists.
• Maintain the bikes in your household. Keep chains clean and lubricated and periodically inspect brake pads.