Tips for riding your bike safely
By: Marissa Anteby
- Always wear a bike helmet, even if you are going for a short ride.
- Your bike helmet should fit you properly. You don't want it too small or too big. Never wear a hat under your bike helmet.
- Riding a bike that is the right size for you also help keeps you safe.
- Be seen to be safe. Wear bright clothes and put reflectors on your bike.
- Make sure that nothing will get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, backpack straps, or shoelaces.
- Wear sneakers when you bike ride. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels, and cleats won't help you grip the pedals. Never go riding barefoot!
- Don't wear headphones because the music can distract you from noises around you, such as a car blowing its horn so you can get out of the way.
- Kids younger than 10 years should ride on the sidewalk and avoid the street.
- Watch out for cars and trucks. Even if you're just riding on sidewalk, a car may pull out of its driveway into the path of your bike.
- If you're crossing a busy road, it's best to walk your bike across the street.
Road Rules to remind your kids about:
- Always ride with your hands on the handlebars.
- Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.
- Cross at intersections. When you pull out between parked cars, drivers can't see you coming.
- Walk your bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.
- Ride on the right-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.
- Use bike lanes or designated bike routes wherever you can.
- Don't ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.
- Stop at all stop signs and obey street (red) lights just as cars do.
- Ride single file on the street with friends.
- When passing other bikers or people on the street, always pass to their left side, and call out "On your left!" so they know that you are coming.
marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embodyinc.com
