Bicycle safety for the whole family
Cycling can be fun for the whole family. There are so many great reasons to ride your bike. It offers fun, freedom and exercise and it is good for the environment. We want kids and families to ride their bikes as much as possible. Here are a few tips so that you will be safe while you do so.
Wear a helmet
Helmets are recommended for all bike riders (that means grown-ups too!) Did you know you can cut the risk of a serious head injury by up to 85 percent by wearing a helmet? More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. Make sure that you purchase a good quality helmet that fits properly. A helmet has a life of three to five years and should be replaced after every crash or collision (even a minor one).
Teach kids the rules of the road
Remember your children are watching you ride, so you want to model good habits. Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stop lights. Teach them to pay attention and never wear headphones when cycling. In all 50 states, people on bikes are required to follow the same laws as other drivers. Drive your bike as you would any vehicle.
Adjust your bicycle to fit
Stand over your bicycle. There should be one to two inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and three inches if using a mountain bike. The seat should be level front to back. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.
Check your equipment
Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work. When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights and make sure your bike has reflectors as well. It’s also smart to wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.
Wear a helmet
Helmets are recommended for all bike riders (that means grown-ups too!) Did you know you can cut the risk of a serious head injury by up to 85 percent by wearing a helmet? More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. Make sure that you purchase a good quality helmet that fits properly. A helmet has a life of three to five years and should be replaced after every crash or collision (even a minor one).
Teach kids the rules of the road
Remember your children are watching you ride, so you want to model good habits. Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stop lights. Teach them to pay attention and never wear headphones when cycling. In all 50 states, people on bikes are required to follow the same laws as other drivers. Drive your bike as you would any vehicle.
Adjust your bicycle to fit
Stand over your bicycle. There should be one to two inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and three inches if using a mountain bike. The seat should be level front to back. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.
Check your equipment
Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work. When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights and make sure your bike has reflectors as well. It’s also smart to wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.
Contact the Corsaro Insurance Group for all your insurance needs. We represent many top carriers so we can customize an insurance policy that will fit your needs and your wallet.
Matthew Corsaro is the president and owner of the Corsaro Insurance Group in Mentor, Ohio. His company and staff have been providing insurance solutions to families and business owners for over 50 years. Mr. Corsaro has obtained the Accredited Advisor in Insurance and Certified Insurance Counselor designations. Corsaro Insurance Group represents over 20 insurance companies. As well they have expertise in all areas of auto, home and business insurance. They can be reached at (440) 946-4950.