Atlanta, GA,
01
June
2020
|
08:52 AM
America/New_York

Bike Safety 101

Following these tips and modeling good bicycle behavior can help ensure that the entire family stays safe while bicycling.

Riding bikes is a fun, healthy activity for the whole family. However, it is not without risk. By following these tips and modeling good bicycle behavior, you can help ensure that the entire family stays safe while bicycling.

Before you Hit the Road

1. Check all your tires for air. If you have younger riders with you, show them how to check their own tires.

2. Bring extra safety equipment if you’re going riding out on a trail, including a first aid kit and extra tires.

3. If you have a child riding with you, make sure the child can comfortably reach the ground from his or her bike.

4. Make sure the wheels, seat and handlebars are tight. Also, doublecheck that the brakes work.

5. Ensure you have reflectors and lights. In some states, these are mandatory.

6. Check and oil your chain. If you have a child, show him or her how to re-hook the chain if it comes off.

7. Check the fit of your bike. If it is too big or too small for you, it will be harder to manage.

On the Road

1. Avoid riding bicycles at night.

2. Use lots of lights! The more lumens, the safer you are. At a minimum, have a red light for the back and a bright white light for the front. If they flash, even better!

3. Consider a smart helmet that has blinkers and brake lights.

4. Avoid the danger zone of riding next to parked cars with passengers who may suddenly open a door into your path and send you flying.

5. Watch out for potholes, cracks and speed bumps. Railroad tracks also can be dangerous.

6. Do not wear headphones while you are riding because you won’t be able to hear traffic or emergency sirens.

7. Know your hand signals for turning right, turning left and stopping.

8. Secure loose shoelaces and pant legs because they could get stuck in your chain.

9. Always ride in the same direction as traffic.

10. Be predictable for the bikers and drivers around you. Don’t take sudden turns, and remember to signal and stop as if you were driving a car.

11. Don’t bike distracted or under the influence. BUIs are real and expensive, but most of all, they’re dangerous.

12. Watch out for cars backing out of driveways and parking spaces.

13. Bike on the safest surface possible, including dedicated bike lanes and paths. Plan your ride to avoid dangerous intersections and high-speed roads if possible.

General Bike Rules

1. Helmets are an essential part of riding bicycles safely. Learn more about fitting helmets here.

2. Stay in control of your speed, and model good behavior for younger riders.

3. Pass on your left! Don’t scare or sneak up on pedestrians or other bikers.

4. If you need to stop, pull over and get out of the way of oncoming traffic.

5. Always walk your bike when crossing the road. Use clearly marked crosswalks so that drivers are expecting you.

6. You must obey all traffic laws. Do not creep up beside stopped cars to skip traffic and get to the front of the line.

About Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.