Bicycle Safety WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Riding a bicycle is a great way to be physically active. Some people even regard this two-wheeled device as their main form of transportation. This presentation will focus on tips related to bicycle safety.

protect yourself Whatever gets you pedaling, it’s important to protect yourself and others you encounter when cycling on roads or trails. This includes other cyclists, motorists, pedestrians, in-line skaters, and trail users. and others

Five Categories of Bicycle Safety 1.Proper bicycle sizing 2.Bicycle maintenance and repair 3.Bicycle helmets and other safety equipment 4.Bicycle handling skills 5.Cycling in traffic

What Should I Know About… Your bike should fit your body size so it is easy to control, comfortable to ride, and not harmful to your knees. Also, your seat and handlebars should be at the correct height for you. For more information on sizing, visit Proper bicycle sizing?

All bicycle parts should always be in good working order, especially before the first ride of the season. Pay special attention to brakes, tire pressure, chain, and all bolts on shift levers, seat, handlebars, and wheels. Ask a reputable bike shop near you about the availability of hands-on workshops where you could learn basic maintenance and repair skills. For a bike safety checklist, visit Bicycle maintenance and repair? What Should I Know About…

A helmet absorbs the forces created when you are in a crash or collision.This can potentially save your life or prevent a permanent injury. In Ontario, it’s the law for all cyclists under 18 years old to wear a safety-approved bicycle helmet. 3 Wearing a bicycle helmet and using other safety equipment? What Should I Know About…

It is strongly recommended for adults to wear a helmet, for their own safety and to set a good example for children. However, this is not required by law in Ontario. adults too! Always look for a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved sticker on the helmet.

In addition to helmets for youth and children, there is legislation in Ontario for the use and placement of the following bicycle safety equipment: Lights Reflective tape Bell Brakes your legal responsibility

Other Safety Equipment Bicycle Lighting Cyclists should be as visible as possible. Wear white or brightly coloured clothing and helmet. Put reflective tape on your clothing or wear a reflective vest or jacket. Put reflective tape on the front and rear bike forks. Attach a red reflector or red light at the rear and a white front light when you ride between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise.

Other Safety Equipment Bicycle “Noise-makers” It’s important to warn others that you are approaching.This includes motorists, other cyclists, pedestrians, joggers,etc. Make sure you have a working horn or bell on your bike. It may also be effective to shout something like, “passing on the left” when sharing trails with others.

Knowing how to safely operate your bike includes: A good place to practice your skills is in an empty parking lot. To learn more, visit Bicycle handling skills? Getting on and off Shifting gears Using brakes Using hand signals for stopping and making turns Using emergency handling skills Cycling with children on a child bicycle carrier or in a child trailer What Should I Know About…

Cycling Again…for the first time If you have not cycled for some years, it may be difficult to keep your balance when you first get back on your bike. This can be dangerous and increase your risk for a serious injury.

Balance is Key Before riding your bike again for the first time on the trails or road, be sure to practice basic bicycle handling skills. With a little practice, you will soon feel comfortable and confident to safely enjoy cycling once again.

A Note about Child Bicycle Carriers Using carriers (mounted child seats) or bicycle trailers can introduce young children to biking but it’s important to know the potential risks. Children under one year old should not be carried in either type because they are too small to support wearing a bicycle helmet.

Child Bicycle Carriers The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (2003) identifies the trailer towed behind your bicycle as safer than a carrier because it is lower to the ground. However, according to Safe Kids Canada (2006), injuries can happen with both types.

Child Bicycle Carriers There are many ways to reduce the risk of serious injury when using either a bicycle carrier or trailer. Also, there are safety features to look for when considering buying one of them. For more information,visit Click on “safety information by topic” and go to “wheeled activities”.

Provinces other than Ontario also have bicycle helmet legislation, some of which require cyclists of all ages to wear helmets. Check out legislation about bicycle helmets and other safe cycling topics where you live: Alberta Transportation British Columbia Ministry of Transportation Manitoba Transportation & Government Services New Brunswick Department of Transportation Transports Québec For more information on proper helmet fitting, visit

A bicycle is considered a vehicle so cyclists must legally obey the same rules of the road as motorists. When everyone uses the same rules, actions can be predicted and injuries can be prevented. It’s always best when everyone can anticipate others’ moves and plan accordingly. 5 Cycling in traffic? What Should I Know About…

More on Cycling in Traffic A bicycle is much narrower and usually slower than most other vehicles. Because of this, a cyclist must stay to the right of the lane and give the right of way to faster traffic when it is safe and practical. When changing lanes is required, the vehicle in the other lane always has the right-of-way.

Cycling in Traffic Having good bike handling skills is essential if you cycle in traffic, especially in situations that could potentially result in a collision. Always scan the road ahead for potential hazards, like parked cars, debris and holes in the road, or vehicles turning.

Cycling in Traffic Always assume that others cannot see you. Use caution, slow down, and proceed only when it is safe. To learn more about cycling in traffic and the rules of the road when cycling, visit

Attention: Parents and Caregivers If you have children in your life as a family member or as a volunteer, you can greatly influence children about the importance of playing safely. Be a role model for safety. Wear recommended safety gear and practice safety guidelines when doing any sport or recreational activity. Set strict safety rules. For example, if a child does not wear the appropriate safety gear, then they should not be able to participate in that activity.

seeing and learning that there are lots of physical activities to be enjoyed, provided some precautions are taken to reduce the risk of serious injury. All children should grow up…

Key References Canada Safety Council. (2005). What to teach your children about bicycle safety. Retrieved January 29, 2007, from bicycle.htm bicycle.htm Canadian Biking Association. (2007). Information for parents: A-B-C Quick check. Retrieved January 19, 2007, from cca/education/canbike_quicktips.shtm. cca/education/canbike_quicktips.shtm Ontario Ministry of Transportation. (2003). Cycling skills. Toronto: Author. Safe Kids Canada. (2006). Bike carriers and trailers. Retrieved January 29, 2007, from section.asp?s=Safety+Information+by+Topic&sID=10774http:// section.asp?s=Safety+Information+by+Topic&sID=10774

Other Resources Latest Health Issues newsletter Think Smart – Injuries Aren’t Accidents Latest brochure Drivers: Your Attention Please Other electronic presentation Seniors and Falls Prevention