It’s a great day, the sun shines, and the birds sing. A perfect day to go by bike. But wait! Before taking the bicycle out of the garage, we discover what to do to stay safe on two wheels.
Why is bicycle safety so important?
Riding a bike is fun, but accidents happen. The safest way to use a bicycle is to do it for what it is: a means of transport, not a game. In the US, some 300,000 children have to go to emergency medical services every year due to the injuries they suffer when they ride a bicycle, and a minimum of 10,000 children get injuries that require several days in the hospital. Some of these injuries are so severe that children die, usually from blows to the head.
A head injury can involve a brain injury. That’s why it’s so important that you wear your cycling helmet whenever you ride a bike. The fact of wearing a helmet does not give you wings to become a reckless driver, but the helmet will protect your face, head, and brain if you have falls or accidents when riding a bicycle.
Instruction manual on the helmet
Cyclist helmets are so important that the US federal government has established security criteria that must be met. Your helmet must have an adhesive that says it meets the safety criteria set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your helmet does not have this adhesive, ask your mother or father to buy you one that does. Put on your bicycle helmet ALL THE TIMES YOU RIDE IN BIKE, even when the route is very short.
The helmet must be your size. It should not be too small or too big. Never wear a cap under the helmet. If you are not sure that the helmet is your size, ask the employee of a bicycle store.
When you have the right helmet, you will need to wear it properly so that it protects you well. You should wear it well on your head so that it covers your entire forehead. Do not put it backward orienting it because you would leave the forehead exposed. Their fastening straps should always be fastened. If the straps were loose or unbuttoned, the chances are that the helmet would fall off your head when you needed it most. Make sure the straps are tight enough so that you can not pull out the helmet or twist it around your head.
Take good care of your cyclist helmet and do not throw it or hit it. You could ruin it, and it would stop protecting you when you needed it the most. If you had a major crash or accident and put your helmet to the test, you should make sure to buy a new one. Helmets do not work as well after these types of accidents.
Many of today’s cyclist helmets are lightweight and come in very fun colors. If you do not like your helmet as it is, personalize it by sticking your favorite stickers. Reflective adhesives are a good choice because, apart from looking good, they allow people to see you by car.