With cool weather coming our way, November is a great time to ride your bike before the snow hits. As with any recreational activity, review safety measures to prevent bicycle accidents and injuries.
The New York Department of Transportation safety guides highlight many tips, including these five:
- Wear proper safety gear – helmets are mandatory for children under 13 and should be worn by everyone.
- Ride in a straight line – don’t weave in and out of traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Don’t get distracted – keep your cell phone in your pocket and earphones off so you can focus on the surrounding traffic.
- Stay visible – wear brightly colored clothing, especially at night, and make sure your bike has the proper reflectors and lights.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings – watch for open car doors, vehicles changing lanes, and always look, signal, and look again when changing lanes or making a turn.
Before you hit the streets or trails this fall, make sure your bike is in good shape for riding and replace any damaged or worn parts. The more stock you put into your own safety the better your chances can be of avoiding a serious bicycle accident!
