Bike Safety Tips

[Mike]

Always Ride With Traffic: The No.1 killer of American bicyclists is riding against traffic (riding on the left side of the road).

Helmet Hints: Wear your helmet every time you ride, but please wear it right, too. The helmet should sit square on your head with the brow low and just above your eyes. Get a new one at least every five years.

Always Hook Your Thumbs Beneath the Handlebars: Remember to always have at least one thumb beneath the bars. That way, when you hit one of these nasty bumps, your hand may slip. But, it won't slip off the bars.

Cornering Safety: When riding unfamiliar roads always remember that vehicles often kick dirt and debris into the road around corners. Keep an eye peeled for this and corner with care.

Consider a Mirror: There are tiny mirrors that attach to your glasses inside the lens that are just about invisible. Yet they give you a great view of the road behind. Mirrors are also available that mount on handlebars.

Don't Get Doored: When riding past parked cars, always carefully watch the side-view mirrors and driver's-side seat. If you see a driver in there, expect that door to open, and leave yourself an out!

Watch Out for Oil Slicks: When it hasn't rained for a while and it suddenly drizzles, oil on the road rises to the surface. Slow down in these conditions. Also, even on dry days, there are often oil deposits on some roads at intersections where cars stop and idle.

- From Jim Langley http://www.jimlangley.net/