Bicycle Safety Information
FACTS: Based on National Statistics
o Every six hours a bicyclist is fatally injured.
o 49% of all bicyclist deaths occur to children age 16 or younger.
o Each year, nearly one million children are treated for bicycle-related injuries in U.S. Hospital emergency rooms or in other medical settings.
o One in seven children suffers head injuries in bicycle-related accidents.
o Head injuries cause three out of four serious injuries and deaths that occur in bicycle accidents.
o Two-thirds of all bicycle accidents are not with an automobile.
Safety Tips:
Make sure that you use the proper hand signals when turning or stopping.
o Always obey all traffic laws.
o Ride on the right-hand side of the road with the flow of traffic.
o Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
o Signal before making turns.
o Use a headlight and reflectorized safety equipment when riding at night.
o Always wear a helmet when riding
o Wear bright clothing with reflective strips particularly at night.
o Be sure your bike is in proper operating condition before each ride.
o Ride with traffic, never against it
o Watch for turning vehicles and vehicles exiting driveways.
o Watch out for opening doors on parked cars
o Ride on bike trails and streets with bike lanes whenever possible.
o Never ride double or carry packages that obstruct your view or interfere with your control of the bike
o Teach your children the rules of the road for their protection. Responsible bicyclists are involved in fewer accidents.
* Pedestrians have the right of way, do not ride your bike on sidewalks.
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