Whether enjoying an afternoon ride or opting for a different way to commute to work, summertime weather means that there will be more bicyclists on the road and in the streets. While drivers need to be aware of bicyclists, sharing the road and giving them plenty of room, bicyclists also need to remember that they are responsible for their safety. No matter how experienced a bicyclist you are, obeying the rules and taking the right precautions can help you and others avoid major accidents.
According to the National Safety Council, the estimated number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents have increased by 29%, from 793 in 2010 to 1,024 in 2017. From 2015 to 2016 the number of deaths increased by about 1%, with 1,015 deaths in 2016. At the same time, the number of preventable nonfatal injuries has declined 36%, from 515,861 in 2010 to 329,477 in 2017.
Bicycle-related deaths peak in the summer months, starting in June, and they remain high through September. In 2017, most deaths occurred in August (123) and the fewest in February (53).
BELOW ARE FIVE ESSENTIAL ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR BICYCLISTS OF ALL AGES THIS SUMMER:
1. WEAR A HELMET.
Just like your parents told you, wearing a helmet is important for your safety. No matter how short of a trip it is, you are always at risk, which means you should never forego your helmet. Having your helmet right next to where you keep your bike will help remind you always to put it on before you get on your bike. And, just as important as wearing one, you need to make sure your helmet fits correctly. To get the best fit, use a measuring tape around the largest part of your head, just above your eyebrows. If you don’t have a measuring tape, use a piece of yarn or string and then measure with a ruler. Each helmet is designed to fit a range of sizes, typically going from extra small to extra large. You’ll also find some one size fits all helmets, which can work well with the proper adjustments.
2. USE HAND SIGNALS.
Refresh your memory on basic hand signals for bicyclists (left, right, and stop) before you get back on your bike. As simple as these are, they are the only way for drivers to know where you’re going on your bike. And, even when you use hand signals, always make sure drivers see you, making eye contact and never assuming that they’ll stop.
3. BE SEEN.
Making sure drivers see you when you’re on your bike is an essential part of staying safe. At night, always ride with lights on yourself (like on your helmet) and on your bike. And during the day, you can choose to wear bright color shirts to help make sure drivers see you on the road.
4. DON’T USE HEADPHONES.
Using headphones while riding your bike is an unnecessary risk. Unfortunately, it’s one that many bicyclists choose to take. The biggest problem with headphones is that you can’t hear what’s going on around you, like a car honking or someone alerting you to a potential hazard. Other distractions, like using your phone while on your bike, can pose similar threats to your safety. Your best bet? Stay alert and aware with zero distractions.
5. ACT LIKE A CAR.
Yes, bicycles are smaller than cars, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t act like one on the road. So many accidents happen because bicyclists choose to disobey traffic laws, running lights, going against the flow of traffic, and weaving in and out of cars.