Bike Rodeo - Bike Safety

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont has sponsored bike rodeos at hospitals and schools across the state to help teach children safe riding habits. A number of activities and tools prepared by BCBSVT give children a fun and informative experience. For more information about bike rodeos, contact:  webmail@bcbsvt.com

 

Bicycling is great exercise for people of all ages. Here are a few smart rules for bicycle safety:

 

Protect your head: Wear a helmet.

Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. Make sure your helmet fits properly. It should be snug and sit flat on your head. Some helmets come with extra padding that can be used or removed for a proper fit.

 

Make sure your bicycle is adjusted properly

Adjust your bicycle to fit you. With feet flat on the ground, you should be able to stand comfortably over the tube of your bicycle. Make sure all parts are in good working condition and are securely fastened. Your handlebars and wheels should be straight and should turn easily.

 

Always check your brakes before riding

Make sure you keep your brakes adjusted properly. Test how well your brakes allow you to control your speed. If they do not allow quick stops, they need adjusted. Check your owner's manual or bring your bicycle to a bicycle shop for professional adjustment.

 

See and be seen

Always wear bright clothing when riding a bicycle. Make sure you are visible to motorists.

 

Avoid biking at night

It is much more dangerous to ride at night. If you must ride at night, make sure you wear bright clothing, and wear reflectors on your ankles, wrists, back and helmet. You should also have reflectors on the front and back of your bicycle that are clearly visible; a headlamp and blinking backlight are even better.

 

Stay alert and aware of obstacles in your path.

Pay close attention to your surroundings. Watch for potholes, cracks, railroad tracks, wet leaves, or anything that could make you lose control. Be extra careful in wet weather, as it is harder to control or stop your

bicycle.

 

Travel with traffic

Always ride on the right side of U.S. roads, in single file and in the same direction as other vehicles. Riding against traffic puts you in danger of getting hit because motorists are not expecting you to ride toward them.

 

Check for traffic

Before entering a street or intersection, always check for traffic. Always look left-right-left, and then proceed with caution. Watch for vehicles turning left or right.

 

Obey the traffic laws

Bicycles are considered motor vehicles and must obey all traffic signs and laws. You are less likely to be hit by a motorist if you are following the rules of the road. Make sure you use universal hand signals when turning or stopping. The universal hand signals are:

 

• Left turn - left arm straight out pointing left
• Right turn - left arm pointed straight up, or right arm straight out pointing right
• Stop - left arm pointed straight down

 

Content source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission