Practical advice on cycling safety
Roseville, CA – May National Bicycle Month And Roseville offers some of Northern California The best suburban trail riding opportunities. Warm weather has finally arrived and the cyclists are out enjoying perfect conditions. In this segment of Safety First, Roseville PD offers the tips below to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Almost every year in the United States Killed a thousand cyclists from falling off their bikes or from being hit by a vehicle. Thousands more were injured. There are several ways you can reduce the chances of this happening to you, your children, or your grandchildren.
Reduce your risks
- Put on the helmet.
Don’t ride your bike without a helmet. Wearing a bike helmet is not only smart, it’s required by law if you’re under 18. Section 21212 of the Motor Vehicle Code prohibits persons under the age of 18 from riding or riding a bicycle without wearing helmets that meet specified standards (ANSI or SNELL). Learn how to choose and fit a bike helmet correctly on the City website and search for Bike Safety Tips. - Be prepared before you ride.
- Make sure the bike you’re riding fits you. If the bike is too big, it is difficult to control it.
- Ensure that the bike, especially the brakes, is working properly.
- In addition to your helmet, wear bright clothing so it’s easy to see. If riding at night or during poor visibility, wear reflective clothing and have a working white light at the front and a red rear light along with reflectors on your bike.
- Drive with both hands on the handlebars, unless you give a turn signal.
- If you carry items on your bike with you, keep them in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
- If you wear lace-up shoes or long pants, be sure to tuck the laces in and tuck the pant legs inside your socks to ensure they don’t get caught in your bike’s chain.
- Plan your route. Choose routes that have less traffic and slower speeds. Always use a bike lane if one is available, but if not, always stay in the bike lane where it is signposted.
- Reduce the risk of being involved in accidents.
There are two main categories of cycling accidents. The most common is falling off your bike due to going too fast, misjudging a bend, or not seeing the obstacle you’re hitting. All of this can be avoided by slowing down and focusing on what lies ahead.
Another common cause of bicycle accidents, and usually a more serious one, is car accidents. In this category, failure to give right-of-way is the main reason, followed by cyclists not showing up easily.
Some obvious rules to follow are:
- Ride in the same direction as the traffic.
- Obey street signs, traffic lights and road signs as you would when driving a car.
- Always assume that other road users do not see you.
- Look out for road hazards that might cause you to fall, such as stones, potholes, and gaps in railroad tracks and drainage grates.
- Get rid of all distractions. No texting, listening to music, or anything else that distracts you by taking your focus off the road and traffic.
Riding a bike is fun and a great form of exercise for all ages. Just remember to review these safety tips before you set off on your trip.
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