| It's calculated that there are about 85 million bike riders | | | | you ride. |
| in the U.S. over half a million of them wind up in ERs | | | | Remember, cars and trucks are much heavier and are |
| each year. Nearly 70,000 people are hospitalized every | | | | going quicker than they may appear. This lesson |
| year merely because they didn't wear a helmet. | | | | should be earnestly emphasized to any kid or adult just |
| Putting on a helmet when cycling is the best possible | | | | learning to ride a bicycle. Inexperienced riders should |
| way to keep yourself from suffering a major injury. No | | | | stay out of high traffic areas, and will learn to ride |
| matter if you're an experienced cyclist or a beginner, | | | | more safely as their confidence goes up. |
| this is the top rule of cycling. They're cheap and | | | | Cars and trucks cannot stop as promptly as you can, |
| available at retailers nationwide. Sadly, only a small | | | | and they are not always watching out for bicycle |
| percentage of bike riders adopt this elementary rule | | | | riders. Be watchful, pay attention to all the traffic |
| and many pay the price. | | | | around you at all times. Making eye contact with |
| Cycle accident head injury stats are astounding. Nearly | | | | drivers at crossings ensures they see you and are |
| one out of every 8 results in brain damage. Moreover, | | | | cognizant of your intentions. |
| two-thirds of bike accident deaths are the result of | | | | Always ride your bike on designated bike paths when |
| traumatic brain injury. Experts say the vast majority of | | | | available. Some cities provide bike paths in business |
| these fatalities and injuries could have easily been | | | | areas that are well away from traffic. When no path is |
| avoided. | | | | usable, cycle with the traffic on the far right side, not |
| It is important to wear a bike helmet that is sized | | | | against. When turning, invariably use hand signals, make |
| properly. Find out the size required by measuring | | | | sure the drivers around you know what you are doing. |
| around the largest part of the head. This is the area | | | | Sidewalks can be dangerous to a cyclist. There are |
| approximately an inch above the eyebrows. When | | | | usually things like sign posts, rubbish cans and even |
| properly worn, the helmet will rest in this place. Read | | | | cars parked across them. These things can be hard to |
| the packaging of the helmets and match the | | | | navigate, especially when combined with people |
| measurement with the size on the box. | | | | walking about. The risk of injury to the cyclist or an |
| To make the helmet more well-situated and fit | | | | innocent pedestrian is rather high. It's best to stay off |
| perfectly, sizing pads are ordinarily included. These are | | | | the footpath with your bicycle. |
| added to the inside of the headgear to make a cosy, | | | | The most dangerous time of day to ride a bike is in |
| but not tight fit. The straps on a helmet are adjustable | | | | the darker hours. Children are especially vulnerable |
| and should also be snug but not excessively tight. | | | | because of their small size. Cyclists and their bicycles |
| They come with plastic clips to fasten them. These | | | | can be hard to see unless they have reflective gear |
| should invariably be done up when riding to hold the | | | | on. For even higher visibility, headlamps, taillights and |
| helmet in place. | | | | even directional lights should be installed on any bike |
| In addition to putting on a helmet, there are other | | | | that will be ridden at nighttime. |
| safety forethoughts cyclists need to keep in mind. | | | | No matter where you ride your bike, what type of bike |
| Reflectors should be installed on all cycles. They give a | | | | you ride, or your age, cycling can be a whole lot of fun. |
| visual clue to drivers, especially in low-light situations. | | | | You can keep yourself safe by complying with some |
| Reflective clothing is another option and gives high | | | | basic safety principles and donning a properly fitted |
| profile of the rider. | | | | helmet. Knowing you're safe and being confident in |
| As with driving a automobile, you're responsible for | | | | traffic will make your ride much more enjoyable. |
| your safety and that of others close to you. Merely | | | | Next time we'll talk about bike upkeep and repair. Find |
| complying all the traffic rules will keep you much safer. | | | | out what you can do to keep your bike riding smooth |
| Stop at all stop signs and lights, be aware of what's | | | | for many years to come. |
| going on around you and use good judgment when | | | | |