Whether you're riding a bike for sport, transportation or just fun, it's imperative to be mindful of basic safety rules -- particularly when that involves sharing the road with motor vehicles. Here, in countdown style, are 10 of the most important safety factors you should take into consideration before hitting the road.
#10: Wear brightly colored or, better still, reflective clothing. Although it's safest to do your bicycling in daylight, if there's even a chance that you'll be on the road when the sun goes down, it's important that you be visible to motorists. High-visibility clothing will help you do that.
#9: Use a red reflector on the rear of your bike (figure A). The red reflector lets motorists behind you know, even in the dark, that they're approaching a cyclist.
#8: Use a white reflector on the front of your bike (figure B). A white reflector alerts motorists that they're approaching a cyclist riding in the opposite direction.
#7: Use a red or colorless spoke reflector on your rear wheel (figure C). This allows motorists approaching you from left or right to see you from a distance.
#6: Use a white spoke reflector on your front wheel. As with the reflector mounted on your handlebars, white signifies front. Motorists approaching you from the side can tell right away which way your bike is oriented and which direction you're traveling.
#5: Use pedal reflectors. The movement of these reflectors, combined with their yellow color signifying caution, will make you even more visible on the road.
#4: Consider adding a bell or a horn as an accessory to help warn motorists of your presence or that you're approaching.
#3: Use a rearview mirror. Particularly important for cyclists who ride alone, a rearview mirror (figure D) will keep you aware of what's approaching you from behind. These are available to mount on your handlebars, brake levers or even your helmet or eyeglasses.
#2: Get a battery-operated headlight (figure E). These help give "visibility" its double meaning: It helps you see what's in front of you, and it helps others to see you.
#1: Wear a government-approved bicycle helmet. These high-tech safety accessories now come in enough styles to please anyone, and considering their role in preventing potentially serious head injuries, there's no excuse for not wearing one.
Safety tips for riding in traffic:
- Before entering traffic-flow, always look left, right, left again and then over your shoulder.
- When riding with other cyclists on the roadway, always ride in single file. Ride in the direction of the traffic flow, never against it.
- Stay as far right on the pavement as possible, and use caution to watch for roadside debris.
- To signal a right turn, hold your forearm straight up (figure F). Give the motorists behind you plenty of time before making your turn.
- To signal for a left turn, hold your left arm straight out (figure G). For a left turn when traffic is heavy, it's safest to dismount and walk your bike across the street.
RESOURCES :
Bell bike helmets
Bell Bicycle Helments
are available from Bell Sports
1924 County Rd., 3000 North
Rantoul, IL 61866-9512
Web site:
www.bellbikehelmets.com
or
www.bellsports.com
Trek bicycles and bike equipment
Trek Bicycle Corp.
801 W. Madison St.
Waterloo, WI 53594
Toll-free: 800-369-8735
Web site: www.trekbikes.com
International Bicycle Fund
The International Bicycle Fund is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization, promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Major areas of activity are non-motorized urban planning, economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and cycle tourism, and cross-cultural, educational programs.
Web site: www.ibike.org
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI)
Web site: www.bhsi.org
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