Embarking on a Cycle of Safety when Riding a Bike
Whether commuting to work or school, exercising, or just for fun, leisure or recreational activities, warmer temperatures tend to bring out more cyclists. Therefore, it is important for both motorists and cyclists learn to share the road. Sadly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, estimated around 1,166 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Bicyclist deaths are highest during the summer months between June and September. Here are some important tips to begin a cycle of safety both before and during your bike ride.
Before You Ride
Preparation is the first step in bicycle safety. Being prepared for your ride includes:
Finding a bicycle that works for you and your intended use. If a bicycle is too big, it will be harder to control.
Maintenance is key! Ensure your bicycle is properly stored when not in use and receives regular maintenance, which can include inflating tires, securing the chain, checking brakes, and replacing any damaged or broken parts.
Wear a properly fitted helmet! Also, think about other things that can protect you including use of reflectors and wear high-visibility or bright clothing; a water bottle to stay hydrated; sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; and proper footwear, like choosing sneakers over flip flips.
Plan your route! If you drive on roadways, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path. Also, always tell someone where you are going.
During Your Ride
As you set out on your ride, it is important to remember to always drive defensively! During your ride, be sure to:
Stay focused and alert to the road and all the traffic around you; anticipate what others may do before they do it. The sooner you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid a potential crash or incident.
Do not text, listen to music, or use anything that distracts you or takes your eyes, ears, or your mind off the road and the traffic around you.
Use a sidewalk when available and if on a road be sure to ride on the right-side side in the same direction as traffic. Obey all street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
Ride predictably, so both motorists and pedestrians get a sense of what you intend to do and can react to avoid a crash.
Protecting our Future Generation
Last year, more than 15,000 participants learned about bicycle safety at a 2024 Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program. PAF Safety Day programs offer age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences to children and families throughout North America. Now in its 30th year, PAF Safety Days continues to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached millions of participants and volunteers.
You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click on Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.