As a bicycle accident lawyer, I am always trying to alert cyclists of hazards they should be alert to. I also recommend ways to manage these hazards and enhance safety while riding. In the course of doing so, I came across a web page from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offering tips & suggestions for parents to pass along to their children to encourage and facilitate safe cycling. I’ve posed the link below, but the content can be summarized as follows:
- Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet – A helmet which is poorly fitted or too loose will not afford your child with proper protection in an accident;
- Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit – Emergency situations can call for quick reactions from a cyclist. A poorly fitted bike can inhibit proper maneuvering and cause the rider to lose the opportunity to avoid a crash;
- Check Your Equipment before riding – Be sure the bike is properly maintained and in good working order;
- See and Be Seen – wear bright/reflective clothing to enhance visibility;
- Control Your Bicycle – avoid carrying objects or riding without holding on
- Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards – safe riding requires one to keep their eyes open for hazards. Riders traveling in a group should announce hazards (such as potholes, rocks, etc.) for the benefit of others;
- Avoid Riding at Night
- Go With the Traffic Flow
- Obey All Traffic Laws
- Yield to Traffic When Appropriate
- Be Predictable – safety is enhanced when you ride in a straight line not if and when you signal your moves to others.
- Stay Alert at All Times – This means you must use your eyes AND ears while riding.
- Look Before Turning
- Watch for Parked Cars
For many other great tips courtesy of the NHTSA, please click here.