Bicycle Safety 101: Top 5 Guidelines To Stay Safe And Avoid A Bike Accident

Cycling season is back!The snow banks have melted

, the chill has thawed from the air, and the ice has vanished from our streets and sidewalks.And, in Bicycle Magazine's annual roundup of "America's Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities," Minneapolis came in at #1 for the first time this year!The time has never been better to give your bike a tune-up and hit the road (or bike path).

It's also a great opportunity to make sure that you and your family know how to stay safe and prevent accidents during cycling season this year.Knowing the rules is especially important if you or your kids will be sharing the road with cars and other motor vehicles. Although it's easy to villainize drivers for crashes, about half of bicycle-motor vehicle collisions are attributed to unsafe cyclist behaviors that can easily be avoided.Take a moment right now to review (and teach your kids!) the most important rules of the road and smart cyclist habits that will help you stay safe on two wheels.

1.Wear a helmet.Regardless of how short or long your ride will be, ALL cyclists, but especially those who will be sharing the road with cars, should wear a helmet. Every time.If -God forbid- you do get in an unavoidable crash, a helmet will protect you from serious brain injury up to 90% of the time. Always, ALWAYS wear a helmet while riding your bike.

2. Ride on the road - in the SAME DIRECTION as traffic. Motorists do not expect, and therefore do not see, cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road or on sidewalks - and this is the #1 cause of bike - car crashes.It's easiest for cars to see cyclists that are riding on the road, so unless your kids are very small, it's always best to encourage them to ride on the road if they are old enough to be out riding on their own.

According to Minnesota law, bicyclists have the right to operate on all Minnesota roads and streets (expect on restricted roadways - like the freeway). The best spot to ride is on the right side, near the curb if possible. On narrow streets, cyclists do have the right to control a lane that is not wide enough to share with a vehicle (at least 14 feet).It's good manners, however, to move over and let cars pass you when it's safe. (And drivers:Always give cyclists 3 feet of space when you pass them... it's not only good manners, it's the law!)

3.Obey all traffic rules, signs, and signals.According to Minnesota law, bicycles are considered moving vehicles (like automobiles) and are therefore subject to the same laws. Always stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield right of way to other vehicles at intersections when appropriate - as you would if you were driving a car. Never pull into the street from an alley or driveway without stopping and checking for traffic in both directions.Always pass on the left.Obeying all traffic rules, signs and signals helps drivers around you know what to expect, which prevents accidents.

4. Use your turn signals.Use hand signals to communicate with nearby drivers before you turn or change lanes. For left turns, extend your left arm straight out at the shoulder. For a right turn, extend your left arm and bend at the elbow with your hand up or extend your right arm straight out at the shoulder.

Your turn signal should be visible to drivers around you for at least 5 seconds before you make your move.If changing lanes, you should also check for traffic coming from behind you by looking over your shoulder.

5.Be as visible as possible!If you will be riding at twilight or after dark, make sure you wear light-colored clothing and that your bike is equipped with reflectors and lights in the front and the back.It's also a good idea to add reflective tape to your helmet and your bike's frame and wheels.

Remember, although cyclists have all the same rights as drivers, cyclists do not have a steel cage to protect them in case of a collision.If your kids will be out riding on their own this year, take the time to ride with them this spring, to make sure they're prepared to ride safely this summer.

Be cautious, be alert, stay safe, and most of all - have fun!There are so many things for cyclists to do and enjoy in Minnesota in the summer, so get out there and get riding!

by:Lisa Hirst Carnes

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