Bicycle Safety

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What do I need to know about bicycles before I buy a one? Make sure your bicycle is the right size for you. If you buy a bicycle for your child, buy one that fits.

What should I check on a bicycle before riding it? Before riding, check the tires for cuts, bulges, bubbles, and the proper amount of air. Spin each tire and check to make sure the brakes work properly. Make sure the chain is tight and has enough oil on it.

What should someone wear while riding a bicycle?

• Always wear a helmet while riding your bicycle. Your child should always wear a helmet too. If you wear a helmet, your child is more likely to want to wear one too.
  
  
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothes because they can get caught in the chain or other parts of the bicycle. Put clips or rubber bands around the bottom of pant legs. Do not wear a jacket hood when bicycling. The hood may block your side vision and could cause an accident. During the day wear brightly colored clothing.
  
  
• Wear light-colored clothing if you must ride your bike at dusk or nighttime. Wearing armbands, leg bands, or vests that glow in the dark help others see you. Always wear shoes or boots that cover your toes. Be sure your laces are tied. Do not wear sandals or thongs. Goggles or glasses may protect your eyes from bugs, flying gravel, and the sun.
  
  
• Carry any objects in a backpack or on a bicycle rack. This will keep your hands on your handlebars to steer your bicycle. It will also keep your things out of the way of moving bicycle parts. Your bicycle should have reflectors, a front light, and a flashing taillight. These items will make your bicycle safer. Mirrors may help you see what is going on behind you. Take a water bottle with you on all rides.

What are the safety rules of riding a bicycle?

• Learn and obey all traffic laws; all cyclists must obey the same rules as motorists.
  
  
• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
  
  
• Ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic confuses or surprises drivers.
  
  
• Always ride in single file.
  
  
• Ride on the far right of the road. Some roads have special lanes for bicycles that you and your children should use.
  
  
• The safest place to ride is a bike path.
  
  
• Stop and look left, right, and left again before going onto the street and crossing street corners.
  
  
• Keep both hands on the handlebars unless you are using hand signals to turn. Before making a turn, put both hands back on the handlebars. Use your hand signals early enough, so others know you are turning.
  
  
• Look back and yield to vehicles coming from behind you before turning left.
  
  
• Stay a car door's width (about 3 feet) away from parked cars and watch for car doors opening.
  
  
• Always cross train tracks straight on rather than at an angle, which could cause you to slide and fall.
  
  
• Do not double ride, such as having someone riding on the handlebars while you are pedaling.
  
  
• If you are carrying a young child, use a child seat hooked to the back of the bicycle or a trailer. Your child should not weigh more than the amount that is safe for the seat. Your child should always wear a bike helmet.
  
  
• Do not hold onto any other moving vehicle while riding.
  
  
• Try to be done riding before it gets dark outside. If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing. Ride with a light, a flashing taillight, and reflectors on your bike. Your bike should have reflectors on the front and back, on the pedals, and on the wheels. Children should never ride at night.
  
  
• Stay alert at all times watching for things such as:
  
  
  • Cracks in the road
    
    
  • Gravel or sand
    
    
  • Painted stripes in the road may be slippery
    
    
  • People and animals
    
    
  • Potholes
    
    
  • Railroad tracks
    
    
  • Sewer grates
    
    
  • Trash
    
    
  • Uneven pavement
    
    
  • Vehicles making a right turn in front of your riding direction
    
    
  • Vehicles from the other side of the street turning left in front of you
    
    
  • Vehicles leaving or pulling into a driveway
    
    
  • Water
    
    
  • Wet leaves
  
  
• Before allowing your child to ride a bicycle, teach your child about the proper bicycle equipment and safety.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about bicycle safety. You can then discuss choices with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what choices may be best for you. You always have the right to refuse and make your own decisions.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page