With the sun shining and the summer months approaching, it is time to pull out your bike from the garage and enjoy a bike ride. But before you do this, you need to learn about bike safety and how to prevent accidents from happening.
According to CAA Statistics, about 7500 Canadian cyclists are seriously injured every year. Interestingly, cyclists are more likely to be killed or injured at an intersection where there are traffic signals.
34% of the cyclists killed in Canada were struck by a vehicle in the dark.
64% of cyclist deaths from traffic crashes occurred on city roads.
Most bike injuries and crashes occur during afternoon rush hour.
How can we prevent injuries from happening on our bikes?
First, let’s look at proper equipment.
Helmets: The law in Ontario says that you must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle if you are under the age of 18.
But did you know that in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and PEI, all cyclists of any age are legally required to wear a helmet?
Wearing a bike helmet helps reduce the risk of a head injury. Most cyclists on the road are killed each year due to head trauma and other suffer permanent brain injury.
Research shows that safety approved bike helmets helps to reduce the risk of brain injury by over 85%!
How do we wear a helmet correctly?
You need to make sure that the helmet fits snug. The edge of the helmet should be positioned 2 fingers above the eyebrows in order to protect the forehead. The straps should be in a v shape just below the ear and a finger should fit snugly between the chin and strap.
Reflectors: Having reflectors on your helmet and clothing will allow you to be more visible to vehicle during the night time.
Bell: A bell helps to inform other cyclists or vehicle that you are near them.
Secondly, use proper precautions when riding on city streets.
As a cyclist, you must follow the rules of the road when riding on city streets. That includes following all traffic lights, stop signs and one-way road signs.
To allow other vehicles and cyclists know where you are going, use hand signals to identify your intentions of travel. Review the appropriate hand signals for turns, stopping and lane changes before riding your bike.
Always ride on the right side of the road and in single file.
Please try to follow the above rules in order to have a safe and fun summer season of bike riding!
To learn more about bike safety please contact us. We would be happy to provide you with more information.