Bicycle Safety Tips for Outdoor Summer Fun

May is Bike Safety Month, the time for parents and kids to discuss safety on the road when bicycling.

“When it comes to bicycling, safety is always the top priority. Because parents and caregivers are role models for children, it is especially critical they teach by example. That means wearing proper helmets and observing all the rules of the road,” noted U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

AAA in years past has partnered with NHTSA to recommend these easy steps to help keep bicyclists of all ages safe.  They are still valid and worth sharing with kids:

For information on bicycle safety, please our Tips to Bike Smart.

• Wear a Properly-Fitted Bicycle Helmet.
• Wear your helmet properly, level on your head and low on your forehead, no more than two finger widths above your eyebrow.
• Develop a family rule for helmet use and enforce it for every ride.
• It’s never too late to start wearing a helmet.

• Always Follow the Rules of the Road.
• Bicycles are considered vehicles and must abide by the same traffic laws as motorists.
• Obey all traffic signs and signal your intentions when turning or passing.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic, keeping to the right.

• Make Yourself Visible.
• Wear bright colors during daylight hours.
• Wear reflective materials on clothing and/or equipment in low-light conditions.
• Use white front lights, red rear reflectors and reflective material on clothing and/or equipment when riding at night.

• Drive Respectfully and Share the Road
• Focus exclusively on the road while driving. Distracted drivers can be deadly for bicyclists.
• Be patient and pass bicyclists only when safe to do so, leaving a 3 to 5 foot clearance between your vehicle and the bicyclist.