Bicycle Safety Tips

Using a bicycle as your primary means of transportation can be fun, cost effective, and help keep you physically fit. However, bicycle riding poses many risks, even for the experienced rider.

Scraped knees and elbows are commonplace, but even a minor spill may result in serious head and brain injury. Statistics show that between 70-80% of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries. Although helmet usage is very low (15-18%), studies have proven that bicycle helmets are 85-88% effective in mitigating total head and brain injuries. Maine State Law requires persons under the age of 16 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

In addition to using helmets and knee pads, keep in mind the following safety tips:

	Check safety equipment before starting.
	Obey all traffic laws.
	Ride in single file.
	Ride as close to the right edge of the road as possible.
	Avoid riding at night.
	Keep both hands on the handlebars.

More information is available on the following bicycle safety topics:

	Make Sure Your Bike Fits
	Bicycle Helmet and Accessories
	More on Bicycle Helmets
	Pre-Ride Inspection
	Good Cycling Practices
	Braking On A Bicycle
	Recognizing Hazards
	Maine State Bicycle Law

Register Your Bicycle On-Line