Bicycle Safety

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

When buying a bicycle, make sure that it is the right size for you or for your child. Check if everything on the bicycle is working properly before you or your child rides it. Make sure the brakes work properly and the tires have the proper amount of air. You also need to make sure the seat fits properly. Check and repair any loose or damaged parts on the bicycle. The bicycle should have reflectors, a horn or bell, at least one side-view mirror, and head and tail lights. Wear a helmet at all times when riding a bicycle. You or your child may prevent serious injury by learning about the bicycle equipment and practicing safety rules.

INSTRUCTIONS:

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Check your bicycle for the following:

Check the following on the bicycle before you or your child rides it:

• Brakes and tires: Make sure the brakes work properly and the tires have the proper amount of air.
  
  
• Lights and reflectors: Check if the bicycle has reflectors and if the lights are working. The lights and reflectors are important when riding a bicycle in the dark. Lights and reflectors will help drivers and other people see you or your child on the bicycle.
  
  
• Loose parts: Check and repair any loose or damaged parts on the bicycle before riding it.

Risks of injury:

Bicycle injuries most commonly occur in children ages 5 to 14. The following may increase the risk of injury when riding a bicycle:

• Balance problems: Children who have trouble keeping balance have an increased risk of getting hurt while riding a bicycle.
  
  
• Extra riders: Only one person should ride a single-seat bicycle. Letting another person ride on the handlebars increases the risk of both riders getting hurt.
  
  
• Riding fast: Riding the bicycle fast may increase the risk of you or your child being hurt. You or your child may also get hurt when doing stunts on a bicycle.
  
  
• Road conditions: Certain road conditions may increase your or your child's risk of getting an injury while riding a bicycle. These conditions include uneven or wet pavements. Riding on roads that are covered with debris (objects) also increases you and your child's risk of injury.
  
  
• Traffic rules: Bicycle riders who do not follow traffic rules are more likely to get hurt. This includes riding the wrong way on a one-way street, or running traffic lights and stop signs. Bicycle riders who fail to yield to a motorists’ right of way are also at risk of getting hurt. Failing to use hand signals may also increase your or your child’s risk of getting injured.
  
  
• Weather: Riding a bicycle in bad weather such as rain and lightening storms, may increase your risk of injury.

Problems that may occur when riding a bicycle:

While riding a bicycle, any of the following problems may occur:

• Body parts such as fingers or toes may get caught in the spokes of the wheels.
  
  
• The bicycle brakes may not work.
  
  
• You or your child may collide with cars, walls, trees, or other people.
  
  
• You or your child may hit the handlebars when suddenly coming to a stop.
  
  
• You or your child may fall off the bicycle and hit a curb or the ground.

Bicycle related injuries:

You or your child may have any of the following injuries:

• Head, brain, eye, face, neck, or dental (teeth) injuries.
  
  
• Impotence in males (not able to keep the penis erect) from damage to nerves.
  
  
• Internal organ injuries.
  
  
• Loss of feeling in one or more areas of the body.
  
  
• Muscle aches and pains.
  
  
• Muscle strains or sprains, broken bones, or dislocated joints.
  
  
• Scrapes, cuts, and bruises.

Preventing bicycle related injuries:

The following may help prevent yourself or your child from getting hurt:

• Protective clothing:
  
  
  • Wear a helmet: You or your child should always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, even on short trips. Wearing a helmet may help protect you or your child from a head or face injury. You or your child should wear a light-colored helmet with a reflective sticker on the back. These make it easier for other drivers to see you. Make sure that the helmet you or your child is wearing is nationally certified.
    
    
  • Wear protective gear: The use of elbow or knee pads may help prevent injury from falling off a bicycle.
    
    
  • Wear reflective clothes: Wear a reflective vest when riding a bicycle in the dark. This will make it easier for drivers to see you and your child.
  
  
• Other ways to prevent getting hurt:
  
  
  • Before allowing your child to ride a bicycle, teach him about proper bicycle equipment and safety.
    
    
  • Follow traffic rules, avoid high traffic areas, and ride with the flow of traffic.
    
    
  • Keep your head up while riding a bicycle.
    
    
  • Make sure the bicycle is working properly before riding it.
    
    
  • Use hand signals when making a turn and try to ride only on special lanes provided for bicycles.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any questions or concerns about bicycle safety.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You or your child's injury or pain worsen.
  
  
• You or your child throws up or coughs up blood.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.