Safety Tips for Bicyclists & Parents

Scartelli Olszewski P.C.

Cycling has become increasingly popular, especially in larger cities where commuting with vehicles is not deemed essential. As we approach the spring season, children and adults will be riding bicycles for fun, fitness, or transportation – many on sidewalks or even on the road.

The Basics

Be Seen – Use your horn, hand signals, and light to be seen by others on the road
Be Wary – Pay close attention to vehicles, pedestrians, and others on the road
Be Alert – Scan ahead, center, left and right

10 Pro-Tips for Safe Bicycle Riding

Wear your helmet
Keep your head up, look ahead
One person per bicycle
Ride in a single file with space between others
Ride on the right side of the road, never against traffic
Plan ahead if riding in a group
Check local laws and rules before riding in unfamiliar areas
Avoid busy roads and peak traffic times
Ensure that you have proper reflective attire while riding at dusk
Keep your bicycle up to date

Some Tips to Avoid Collisions

Do not wear headphones while riding a bike
Keep both hands on the handlebars, except while signaling traffic
Keep both feet on pedals
In a group, ride single-file with the flow of traffic
Wear bright colored clothes, helmet, and material on you at all times
Use correct hand signals

Quick Tips for Parents & Choosing the Right Bicycle for your Child

The child’s bicycle should be based on their size, not their age group
The child should be able to place both feet flat on the ground while sitting on a bicycle seat
Bicycles for very young children should have training wheels

Proper Safety Equipment

Helmets are the most important piece of equipment
Ensure the helmet fits the child’s head correctly
Ideally, the helmet should have ventilation to prevent overheating on the head

Riding Safety Tips

Children should never ride on sidewalks, using bicycle lanes when they are provided
Two children should never try to ride the same bike
Young child should never ride alone at night
Children should never take their hands off of the handlebars while riding

Bicycle Safety Laws

Teach children to use proper hand signals
Children must stop at any stop sign or red traffic light they encounter
Walk their bicycles across intersections and crosswalks with heavy traffic

Bicycle Maintenance

Teach children to inspect their bicycles regularly
Tire pressure level should be kept inflated to the maximum at all times
Keep the bicycle chain properly tightened

It’s important to teach your child how to ride his/her bicycle safely and avoid crashes. Serious bicycle crashes are rare, and the “heart healthy” benefits of bicycling far outweigh the risks.

Drivers: Share the Road

People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle. As a driver of a vehicle keep in mind:

Yield to cyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed.
Always search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions, and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
Give cyclists room and do not pass too closely. Pass cyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe.

Contact Us

Accidents do happen, even if you are extra cautious. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a biking crash, contact our team of attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski P.C. for a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.exercisebike.net/blog/guide-bike-safety-parents/