| Even though a bicycle is relatively simple to operate, | | | | with an adult. Head-related injuries account for 75 |
| a cyclist still must exercise careful planning and | | | | percent of all bike fatalities. Some states have |
| defensive driving in order to assure a safe journey. It | | | | therefore made the wearing of helmets mandatory. |
| is advisable to check with your local police | | | | A cyclist should never carry a passenger on a bicycle |
| department for city and/or state ordinances | | | | built for one driver, except in the case of an adult |
| pertaining to bicyclists. These may vary from city to | | | | with a small child in a seat directly behind the adult. |
| city and from state to state. | | | | Otherwise, one seat, one cyclist. |
| When bicycling, do not wear wide-bottomed pants, | | | | Choosing a Bicycle |
| flapping skirts, trailing scarves, or any other loose | | | | When choosing a bicycle, pick one that you will be |
| clothing that may catch in the wheel spokes or on | | | | able to drive with comfort and confidence. When you |
| the gear chain. Pants bottoms should be tucked into | | | | are on the seat, the toes of both feet should be |
| socks or secured with bicycle clips. Shoes should have | | | | able to touch the ground without tilting the bicycle. |
| low heels. During the daytime, bright-colored or | | | | The thigh, leg, and heel of the foot on a pedal at its |
| fluorescent vests or belts can be worn over normal | | | | lowest should form a straight line as you ride along. |
| clothing. | | | | The seat should be almost parallel to the ground. The |
| For cycling at night, when it is especially difficult for | | | | handlebars should almost always be level with the |
| car drivers to see a cyclist, it is even more important | | | | seat. |
| to wear conspicuous clothing. Retro-reflective material | | | | Keep the bicycle clean and well oiled, and make sure |
| should be sewn onto clothing and retro-reflectors | | | | that there are no loose parts. Pay special attention to |
| should be mounted onto the bicycle. Otherwise, | | | | the brakes, tires, and lights. Regularly check the |
| retro-reflective vests or belts can be worn over | | | | tightness and alignment of the wheels, handlebars, |
| normal clothing. A lit light at the front of the bicycle is | | | | pedals, and chain. |
| required by law in all states for nighttime bicycling. | | | | At all times, cyclists must give clear and positive hand |
| Some states also require a lit light at the back. | | | | signals when turning. Do not weave in and out of |
| Bicyclists should always wear a helmet to provide | | | | traffic or ride close to moving vehicles. Special care is |
| head protection in case they fall or are knocked | | | | needed at crosswalks, near parked cars, and on |
| down. It is especially important to provide infants or | | | | uneven road surfaces. |
| small children with the same protection when riding | | | | |