9 Bike Safety Tips
However, when cycling , it’s important to remember that bike safety is a priority. When taking your little ones on a neighborhood jaunt or cycling across the city, keep these 10 safety tips in mind.
#1: Wear a Helmet
Whether you are riding on a neighborhood street or cruising through the city, make sure you are protected with a tightly-fitting helmet. According to the City of Houston’s bike handbook, a good helmet can prevent an injury to your brain and reduce a bike rider’s risk of major injury or death by 88 percent.
#2: Ride to the Right
Knowing the rules of the road is not exclusive to only motorists in Houston. Always stay to the right and use designated bikeways when possible. In addition, avoid the “car door zone” to prevent unexpected injury.
#3: Stay off the Sidewalks
Although it may appear to be safer to ride on the sidewalk versus the street when a bikeway is not present, bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks unless there are hazardous conditions on the road.
#4: Know Your Direction
When cycling, always ride in the same direction as traffic to increase a motorist’s ability to see you. Just as motorists do, cyclists should obey traffic signs and signals and ride only one cyclist per seat.
#5: Learn the Terminology
As a biker, it’s important to know the terminology to help you obey the rules of the road. Safety Handbook designates the following terms as need-to-know bike talk:
Cyclists: A person who rides a bicycle
Designated: Marked for a special purpose
Hydrated: when you drink enough water to keep your body working well
Motorist: Someone who drives a car, van or truck
Pedestrian: A person who walks
Yield: Come to a complete stop and let a person or vehicle cross in front of you
#6: Send the Right Signals
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when cycling . Always look ahead, behind and to the sides before making a turn or proceeding on your route. Use hand signals, too, to alert pedestrians, motorists and other cyclists. Common turn signals include:
To turn left, put your left arm out and return hand to handlebars
To turn right, put your right arm out and return hand to handlebarsTo stop, put your left or right arm straight out and let it hang down from the elbow. Return hand to handlebars.
#7: Slow Down
Remember that safety trumps winning a race to the finish when cycling through the city. Slow down and dismount your bike versus attempting to ride over big holes in the road, uneven pavements and grating over sewer drains.
#8: Dress to Ride
Unfortunately, loose clothing, dangling shoelaces and jewelry can impair your ability to cycle safely in Houston. Be dressed to ride by securing all ties and laces. Make sure you are visible, too, by wearing reflective strips and white or bright-colored clothing so motorists can see you easily.
#9: Complete a BikeSmart Checklist
Before pedaling your way through the streets of Houston, conduct a routine check of your bike to ensure your safety.
A routine check includes inspecting the following:
Check your tire pressure
Inspect your brakes
Make sure the lubricated chain is snug
Secure the seat and handlebars so they are tight
Tighten any loose spokes
Check reflectors and lights
Test the bell or horn
Make sure the gears are shifting correctly
It’s always a good idea to also get your bike tuned up at least once a year at your local bike shop.