Bicycle Safety

This blog idea occurred to me last week when I was nursing bruises from a small bike accident I had the week earlier. A woman in a parked car opened her car door fully while I was riding along next to her and I collided with the door. So what better reason to spark a bike safety blog!

According to a recent article I read, between 2000 and 2009 the number of regular bike commuters grew 70% across the US. So with more bikers out on the road it’s important for bikers and drivers alike to be aware of the rules.

Bicyclist’s Rules of the Road

1. Bike on the road in the same direction as traffic (only bikers under age 12 are allowed legally to ride on the sidewalk)
2. Act like a car
3. Use hand signals to let drivers know where you are going
4. Stop at red lights and stop signs and obey other traffic signs just like a car
5. Used marked bike paths and lanes when available
6. Protect your head

Safety gear

• Helmet
• Padded shorts
• Gloves
• Headlight
• Working breaks
• Reflectors

Good Biker habits

• Put down your phone (it shouldn’t even have to be said but don’t text and drive on your bike either)
• Ride in a straight line
• Stay on the right side of the lane
• Stay out of drivers blind spots
• Always keep on hand on the handle bars
• Signal well and clear
• Stay visible (a bikers top safety priority is to ensure they can be seen by motorists)
• Travel with a mini tool kit

Be safe or you’ll end up with bruises like me…