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Safe Bicycling
Bicycling is one of the most popular ways to get around, whether for
recreation, sport or transportation. An estimated 57 million Americans ride
bikes ranging from high performance, 18-speed, touring models, to "dirt
bikes" equipped with balloon tires—and dozens of variations in between.
With millions of cyclists on the roads—the same roads occupied by millions
of motor vehicles that are larger, heavier and faster than bikes—the National
Safety Council believes that defensive driving applies to people who pedal with
their feet to travel, as well as to those who push on the gas pedal. Because
about 900 bicyclists were killed and some 70,000 suffered disabling injuries
(1999 statistics), it is clear that taking precautions in traffic and wearing
protective equipment are a cyclist's best shields against unintentional
injuries.
The Council offers the following tips for safe and enjoyable bicycling:
- Obey traffic rules. Get acquainted with ordinances. Cyclists must follow
the same rules as motorists.
- Know your bike's capabilities. Remember that bicycles differ from motor
vehicles; they're smaller and can't move as fast. But, they can change
direction more easily, stop faster and move through smaller spaces.
- Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Bicycling two abreast
can be dangerous. Bicyclists should stay as far right on the pavement as
possible, watching for opening car doors, sewer gratings, soft shoulders,
broken glass and other debris. Remember to keep a safe distance from the
vehicle ahead.
- Make safe turns and cross intersections with care. Signal turns half a
block before the intersection, using the correct hand signals (left arm
straight out for left turn; forearm up for right turn). When traffic is
heavy and the cyclist has to turn left, it is best to dismount and walk the
bicycle across both streets at the crosswalks.
- Never hitch on cars. A sudden stop or turn could send the cyclist flying
into the path of another vehicle.
- Before riding into traffic: stop, look left, right, left again, and over
your shoulder.
- Always be seen. During the day, cyclists should wear bright clothing.
Nighttime cycling is not advised, but if riding at night is necessary,
retroreflective clothing, designed to bounce back motorists' headlight
beams, will make cyclists more visible.
- Make sure the bicycle has the right safety equipment: a red rear
reflector; a white front reflector; a red or colorless spoke reflector on
the rear wheel; an amber or colorless reflector on the front wheel; pedal
reflectors; a horn or bell; and a rear view mirror. A bright headlight is
recommended for night riding.
- Wear a helmet. Head injuries cause about 85 percent of all bicycling
fatalities. The Council strongly urges all cyclists to wear helmets. The
first body part to fly forward in a collision is usually the head, and with
nothing but skin and bone to protect the brain from injury, the results can
be disastrous.
- In March 1999, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a
uniform, mandatory federal safety standard for all bike helmets. All helmets
manufactured or imported for sale in the U.S. must carry a label or sticker
stating that they meet the requirements of the new standard. Cyclists who
currently have a helmet that meets the ASTM, ANSI or Snell standards do not
need to rush out to buy a new one; these helmets provide adequate
protection. However, when it's time to replace a helmet because it has been
outgrown or damaged in a crash, buying a helmet that meets the CPSC standard
is recommended. The helmet should fit securely and should be worn low and
near the eyebrows—not back on the forehead.
A properly designed helmet has four characteristics:
- a stiff outer shell designed to distribute impact forces and protect
against sharp objects;
- an energy-absorbing liner at least one-half inch thick;
- a chin strap and fastener to keep the helmet in place; and,
- it should be lightweight, cool in hot weather and fit comfortably.
There is no limit to the fun and healthful exercise gained from bicycling.
Being careful, always, will give riders safer trips and greater peace of mind.
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