Bike Safety
There are so many reasons to ride safely. Click below to read more. For more information check out
www.usa.safekids.org
Does your bike helmet fit?
Did you know that in a crash, the risk of head injury is doubled if the helmet is worn incorrectly?
How not to get hit by a car - view these great safety tips
Traffic laws and common courtesy are necessary for creating safe roads that can be shared by everyone. Practicing the concepts of concern and respect for others can go a long way to keep bikers and drivers safe. Drivers park in bike lanes, open car doors into traffic or cut across the path of a moving cyclist. Cyclists ride on sidewalks, run red lights, and cycle on the wrong side of the street. These actions by drivers and cyclists are unsafe and can lead to serious accidents. No question about it - each of us needs to know the rules and our rights as cyclists and drivers.
Sharing the Road: Cyclists
The best way to educate drivers on bicyclists' rights to the road is to ride respectfully and have facts on your side.
On the Road:
• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
• Obey all traffic control devices (lights, signs, etc)
• Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns other users
Always Wear a Properly Fitting Helmet:
• Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip
• Select a helmet that fits snugly and fits flat on the head
Ride on the Right:
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic
• Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination
• Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
Ride Predictably:
• Ride in a straight line
• Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
• Check for traffic before entering street or intersection
• Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly
Be Visible:
• Wear brightly colored clothing that stands out
• Use a white front light in low light conditions
• Use a red rear light in low light conditions
• Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing anytime
• Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists
Sharing the Road: Motorists
Drive Cautiously:
• Reduce speed when encountering cyclists
• Don't tailgate, especially in bad weather
• Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space
Yield to Cyclists:
• Bicycles are considered vehicles
• Cyclists should be given the appropriate right of way
• Allow extra time for cyclists to cross intersections
Be Considerate:
• Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
• Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists
• Look for cyclists when opening doors
Pass with Care:
• When passing, leave four feet between you and a cyclist
• Wait for safe road and traffic conditions before you pass
• Look for the cyclist after passing before moving back into a lane
Watch for Children:
• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable and may have less control of their bikes
• Expect the unexpected and slow down
• Don't expect children to know traffic laws
• Because of their size children can be harder to see
For specific Nevada law regarding bicycling and sharing the road visit: www.bicyclenevada.com/law.html
Kids, especially 11- to 14-year-olds, are sometimes reluctant to wear helmets. They may insist they’re good riders who don’t need helmets anymore, complain that helmets are uncomfortable, or – an old favorite – point out that none of their friends wear them. Your child may be especially mature for her age; she may be a particularly skilled rider; or it just might feel easier to give in. But we urge you to resist that temptation. Requiring your children to wear a helmet every time, everywhere they go, is the best thing you can do to protect them.
If your child rides a bike, then she probably also enjoys skateboards, scooters or inline skates! Make sure that whenever she "wheels" around, she's wearing the right gear. Click to read safety tips about these and other recreational activities.
Helmet tips:
• Don’t negotiate. It’s estimated that 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.
• Buy a helmet that meets or exceeds current safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Correct fit is essential. Do the "Eyes, Ears and Mouth" check:
1. EYES check: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet (one to two fingers above the eyebrows).
2. EARS check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
3. MOUTH check: Now open your mouth as wide as you can! Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps!
• If your child is reluctant to wear her helmet, try letting her choose her own. Helmets come in many colors and styles – allowing children to choose a helmet that’s “cool” may make them less likely to take it off when you’re not around.
• Talk to other parents and encourage them to have their kids wear helmets. Let your children see that you wear a helmet, too. Children are more likely to wear helmets when riding with others who wear them.
Practice bike safety:
• Cyclists should be restricted to sidewalks and paths until they reach the age of 10 and can demonstrate they know the rules of the road. Supervision is essential until children develop the necessary traffic skills and judgment.
• Make sure your bike has a light and reflectors on the front, back and sides.
Teach your children:
A bicycle is a vehicle, not a toy. Riding a bike – especially around traffic – is an important responsibility.
• Ride with traffic, not against it. Ride as far to the right as possible.
• Use appropriate hand signals.
• Respect traffic signals. Stop at all stop signs and red lights.
• Stop and look left, right and left again before entering a street.
• Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left at intersections.
• Don’t ride when it’s dark. If riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening is unavoidable, wear retroreflective material on clothing or bike, and use lights on the bike.
Finally, proper bike fit and maintenance can help prevent injuries. Your child’s feet should reach the ground while sitting on the bike seat. Make sure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
Did you know that in a crash, the risk of head injury is doubled if the helmet is worn incorrectly? Correct fit is essential.
Do the "Eyes, Ears and Mouth" check:
1. EYES check: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet (one to two fingers above the eyebrows).
2. EARS check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
3. MOUTH check: Now open your mouth as wide as you can! Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps!
Bike to Work Day Participating bike shops will check your helmet position too. Please, put it on, every time.
