8 Ways You Can be a “Role Model” with Smart Bicycle Safety

image courtesy of arztsamui at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Bikes are a blast. Riding is fun, fast, and healthy. Thing is, you are not protected like you are in a car so safety is a big concern on a bike. We consulted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for some tips on bike safety.

Keep in mind that on the roadway bikes are legally considered vehicles. That means you as the driver of the bike are as responsible as other motorists to follow the rules of the road.

Here are some safety tips that are easy for everyone to live by…For you kids, this post will take you just a few minutes to read and it could save your life.

1. Wear a Bike Helmet
Your helmet protects your brain, the most important part of your body. Brain injuries can be devastating so get a helmet that’s right for you.

2. Adjust Your Bike to Fit
If you stand over your bike, there should be 1-2 inches between you and the top tube, or bar, of a road bike and 3-4 inches if you’ve got a mountain bike. The seat should be level and the height adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when your leg is fully extended. Also, the handlebar height should be level with the seat.

3. Check Your Equipment
Before riding check the tires and make sure the breaks work.

4. Make Yourself Visible
Whatever time of day it is, wear neon or other bright colors when riding. And wear something that reflects light such as reflective tape or markings. You must make sure that drivers can see you.

5. Watch for Road Hazards
It’s too bad that there are so many pot holes in the roads here in the Utica area…but our tough winters take a toll. So, be on the alert for them plus broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and every once in a while, a loose dog.

6. Go With the Traffic Flow
As we said above, bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles so they must follow the rules of the road. That includes going with the traffic flow. Ride on the right side in the same direction as traffic…not against it.

7. Obey All Traffic Laws
You must obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

8. Don’t Wear Headphones
When you’re riding a bike it’s often just as important to hear your surroundings as it is to see them. You can hear traffic approaching from behind, dogs nearby, and even pedestrians that may get in the way. To keep it safe, you need all of your senses.

So many of our clients ride that we thought it a good idea to pass these safety tips along for not only the kids, but also kids at heart. We’ve taken these tips from a terrific web page called, “Be a Roll Model.” It’s all about bike safety and it nicely summarizes what you can do to avoid tragedy on your bike.

So here’s to safe riding and lots of fun on your bicycle this year.

Until next time,
Your SZW Team

Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. is your New Hartford area independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000.