Bicycle Safety

Bicycles can be considered symbols of independence and freedom. They are also fun, providing riders a "greener," healthier form of transportation. Bicycles are also considered vehicles, and riders have a responsibility each time they take to the road. Even if you are an experienced cyclist, it’s a good idea to review the fundamentals periodically.

How to Fit a Bike: 3 Steps to a Good Fit

1. Check the Bicycle Frame Size

Stand over the bike and ensure there is clearance between you and the top tube:

• Road bikes: 1” clearance
• Mountain bikes: 3-5”

Size Chart: Typical Bike Fits for Children

• Under 6 years*: 12” – 16” wheel
• 6 to 9 years*: 20” wheel
• 9 to 11 years: 24” wheel
• 12 and older: 26” or larger wheel

*Children age 6 and under need close supervision – even on quiet neighborhood streets.

2. Adjust the Bicycle Seat Height

The rider should be able to sit on the seat and balance the bicycle with both feet just touching the ground. The bicycle should not lean to one side.

While seated, the rider’s leg should be slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest rotation. Seats that are adjusted too low can cause knee pain. Seats set too high can cause hamstring pain.

The seat may need to be adjusted to find the right fit. If the seat is in the lowest position and the rider cannot touch both feet to the ground, the bicycle is too large.

When buying a bike for a child, avoid buying a large bicycle for your child to “grow into.”

3. Check Positioning of Your Bicycle Handlebars

Position standard handlebars above the center bar, with grips at or above the seat level.

Position dropped handlebars (below the center bar) so the upper part of the bar is level with, or slightly below, the seat and tilted down.

Adjust your handlebars so the 70% of your weight is on the seat, and 30% of your weight is on the handlebars.

Purchasing and Fitting a Bicycle Helmet

Head injuries are the leading cause of death in 80% of bicycle crashes.

• Select a helmet approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as noted on a sticker inside the helmet.
• Helmets should sit level and low on the forehead, so the wearer can see the front of the helmet when they look up.
• If the helmet is slightly large, insert extra padding provided with the helmet and adjust the fit ring on the back of the helmet.
• Straps should be adjusted to center the buckle under the chin, with side straps forming a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears. To check for a snug fit, you should only be able to fit one or two fingers under the chin strap. When your chin strap is buckled, open your mouth and feel the helmet press firmly against the top of your head.
• Be a good role model! Wear your helmet on every single ride. According to Safe Kids USA, a child who rides with an adult wearing a helmet is more likely to wear one, too.

When to Replace a Bicycle Helmet

• If you are involved in a crash
• If the helmet dropped hard enough to crack the foam
• If the outside is made of just foam or cloth instead of plastic
• If it lacks a SPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker inside
• If you are unable to adjust it to fit correctly

Rules of the Road

Bicycles in many States are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:

• Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.
  
• Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
  
• Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
  
• Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
  
• Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.
  
• Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
  
• Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

Sidewalk versus Street Riding

The safest place for bicycle riding is on the street, where bicycles are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction.

• Children less than 10 years old, however, are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.
  
• Children less than 10 years old are better off riding on the sidewalk.
  
• For anyone riding on a sidewalk:
  
  • Check the law in your state or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk-riding is allowed.
    
  • Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.
    
  • Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.
    
  • Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars. Alert pedestrians that you are nearby saying, “Excuse me,” or, “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.

Source: NHTSA.gov