Each year, more than 500,000 people in the U.S. are treated in emergency departments, and more than 700 people die as a result of bicycle-related injuries. Children are at particularly high risk for bicycle-related injuries. In 2001, children 15 years and younger accounted for 59% of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments.
Hopefully the sun in Oklahoma is here to stay for a while and that means pulling out that bike and going for a safe ride.
Whether going long distances or just for a short ride in the neighborhood, bike safety is extremely important. Probably the most important protection includes wearing a bike helmet. Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. government has created safety standards for them. Each helmet should have a sticker that says it meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If the helmet being used doesn’t have this sticker, purchase one that does. The bike helmet should fit properly. Never wear a hat under the helmet. The helmet should be worn level and cover the forehead. Don’t tip it back so the forehead is showing. Helmet pads should not be used to make a helmet that is too big fit over the head. Leave about two-fingers width between the eyebrows and the front of the helmet. The straps should be joined just under each ear at the jawbone. The buckle should be snug with mouth open completely. If the straps are flying, it’s likely the helmet will fall off when needed the most. Take care of the helmet to prevent damage. If while wearing the helmet, a fall or crash occurs resulting in bumping the helmet, make sure to get a new one before the next ride. If falls are frequent, elbow and knee pads may be worn for added protection.
The rider should wear bright clothing for good visibility. Make sure that loose pants, backpack straps or shoelaces are fastened with a rubber band to prevent any article of clothing getting caught in the bike chain. Wear the right shoes while riding, preferably sneakers. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels and cleats won’t help grip the pedals adequately. Never go barefoot.
Now that the rider is equipped for safety, let’s make sure the bike is the right size. When standing on the bike, straddle the top bar so that both feet are flat on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inches of space between the rider and the top bar. Make sure the seat, handlebars and wheels fit tightly. When going on a ride follow the ABC Quick Check for the bike as follows:
A is for air
- Inflate tires to rated pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire.
- Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure.
- Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace if damaged.
B is for brakes
- Inspect pads for wear; replace if there is less than 1/4th of pad left.
- Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes.
- Check brake level travel; at least 1” between bar and lever when applied.
C is for cranks, chain and cassette
- Make sure that crank bolts are tight; lube the treads only, nothing else.
- Check the chain for wear; 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches.
- If the chain skips on the cassette, it may need an adjustment or a new one.
Quick is for quick releases
- Hubs need to be tight in the frame; the quick release should engage at 90 degrees.
- The hub quick release should point back to insure that nothing catches on it.
- Inspect brake quick releases to make sure they reengage.
Check is for check it over
- Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly.
- Inspect the bike for loose or broken parts; tighten, replace or fix them.
- Pay extra attention to the bike to keep it in good working condition.
For kids, always let parents or family members know when leaving for a ride. Kids younger than 10 years should ride on the sidewalk and avoid the street. Even if riding on the sidewalk, keep an eye out for cars and trucks. If crossing a busy road, it’s best to walk the bike across the street. If riding in the street, follow these road rules:
- Always ride with hands on the handlebars.
- Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving the driveway, an alley or a curb.
- Cross at intersections. Avoiding pulling out between parked cars, drivers cannot see the rider coming.
- Ride on the right-hand side of the street, travelling in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.
- Use bike lanes or designated bike routes whenever possible.
- Don’t ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.
- Stop at all stop signs and obey street (red) lights just as cars do.
- Ride single file on the street with friends.
- When passing other bikers or people on the street always pass to their left side, and call out “On your left!” to let them know.
- Also learn the proper hand signals for right/left turn and stop.
Enjoy the summer sun with a bike ride. Before leaving, let someone know and thoroughly check the bike using the tips listed above and most importantly, wear a helmet.
For additional questions regarding care of a bicycle, check with the local bicycle dealer. For information other topics in the family and consumer sciences area or to schedule a program, contact Gale Mills at the OSU Cooperative Extension Service in Washington County at 918-534-2216 or by e-mail at gale.mills@okstate.edu.
