Think safety when summer cycling

When riding a bicycle, safety is of the utmost importance. Healthcare experts advise cyclists to pay particular attention to situations that can lead to falls, crashes and serious injuries. Statistics show that it can be a dangerous time to ride a bike in the United States, as bike-accident injuries are increasing. But with a little forethought, you can avoid problems and stay safe while getting good exercise and enjoying the outdoors on a bike.

Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Wear a helmet - Not all states require bicyclists to wear a helmet. However, research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious injury by 70 percent. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatal bike accidents. Unfortunately, 97 percent of victims do not wear helmets. Simply wearing a helmet can prevent many bike deaths.
2. Be reflective - A leading cause of bike accidents is limited visibility. If a driver can’t see you, an accident is more likely to occur. This is particularly true at intersections when your paths are likely to cross. While installing reflectors on your bike can help, it’s also important to wear bright and/or reflective clothing.
3. Know how to use your signals - Many bike accidents occur at or near an intersection. It’s important to make sure that you’re fully familiar with bike hand signals. You need to be able to communicate with nearby drivers and other cyclists. A driver can’t anticipate what you’re going to do unless you provide fair warning. Make sure that your hand signals are obvious and clear to others.
4. Ride like you’re driving a car - You may be able to reduce the likelihood of an accident if you act like you’re driving a car. Why? Studies show that drivers become used to the patterns and behaviors of vehicles on the road. Cars don’t weave in and out of traffic, transfer from sidewalks to roadways, ignore traffic signals or cut across multiple lanes at once. When you ride a bike, it can be tempting to do these things. However, you’re more likely to catch a driver by surprise or limit your visibility if you do. Keep yourself safe by riding predictably and mimicking the behaviors of larger vehicles whenever appropriate.
5. Go with the flow - Always ride your bike with the flow of traffic. In other words, travel in the same direction as other vehicles on the road. Accidents are much more likely to happen when you go against the grain. If an accident does happen when you’re riding against the flow of traffic, you’re more likely to be at fault for the crash. This can prevent or reduce a financial recovery.

You can get more safety tips on biking by clicking here.