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August Safety Newsletter (Sign up here to get upcoming newsletters - FREE!)

Adult Bike Safety

More and more people are getting into gear and using bicycles as way to have fun and get from place to place. Biking has health benefits and can be good to your wallet, particularly with the high price of gas.

This month's article isn't just for cyclists though. Automobile drivers can help (and reduce frustration) by being more aware of the two-wheelers sharing the road.


Bill Nesper, Program Manager at the League of American Bicyclists feels the more the merrier.  "There is a cumulative safety effect"; he told me, "More bikes equal safer biking".   The more we see people riding for fun, commuting to work, the more aware the rest of us are as drivers. In addition, there seems to be more media focus on things like traffic laws -- who's lane is it, anyway? -- and driver and cyclist behavior, from rude remarks and gestures to outright assaults!

Regulations for helmet use and other specific behaviors can vary a little depending on where you live but almost all laws define bicycles as vehicles that must operate using the same rules as cars and trucks. 

Slower traffic stays right and gives way to
faster traffic when it is safe and practical.

 

"If you're smart and you ride correctly, cycling is safe", according to Mr. Nesper, who rides his bike to work every day along with most of his colleagues at the organization. Even if you don't have time to do a ton of research or take a class, he says the following list will help you be a safer cyclist:

  • Ride to the right, in the direction you are traveling (not against traffic)
  • Ride like you would drive (use signals, obey signal lights, etc)
  • Wear a helmet!
  • Ride predictably (don't weave, ride in a straight line)
  • Be visible (use lights at night and wear reflective clothing)

 

The League of American Bicyclists has produced a short video that goes into more detail about the subject of safe riding. It's posted on YouTube and only about 4 minutes long - definitely worth a look. Click to watch "Bicycle Safety Tips for Adults".

Another resource we found with some really good information - from fitting your bike and doing a detailed safety check - to riding with a child seat - to dealing with traffic and weather hazards. The Cycling Skills guide from the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario Canada, is thorough but clear and easy to read. Click here to read the guide.


Coming in September

Emergency Contacts is a proud member of the National Preparedness Coalition.

The Department of Homeland Defense has designated September each year as National Preparedness Month.

We will have a couple of special editions of our safety newsletter with guidelines and resources to help you and your family get and stay prepared for emergencies.



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