Gibber-gabber
Safe bike riding tips for adults from NHTSA and L.A.B.
beingzoe over 3 years ago

As the representative from the League of American Bicyclists says in the video, “You may not forget how to peddle your bike, but do you remember how to drive it safely?” Especially in modern traffic?

While it may all seem like common sense it is good to get a reminder every now and again.

The key points of this safety video are:

Have a properly fitting bike

Riding a bike of the right size for you and your body makes you a safer rider. Make sure the frame is the right size and your seat is set to the correct height. You legs should not be overly bent or full extended when your foot the crank is at it’s farthest down position.

Wear a helmet

While there are various opinions about helmet laws, the fact is wearing a properly fitted helmet will protect you from potentially dangerous, even deadly falls and crashes. A properly fitted helmet should not move around on your head, the chin straps should be snug to your chin (with room to breathe), and the bicycle helmet should be level on your head.

Riding at night, bring a light

Most states require a white front light and a red light or reflector in the rear. Regardless of the laws, having some kind of light when riding on the road at night just makes sense. Bright clothes don’t hurt either.

ABC-Quick Check

Before you head out for a ride always do at least an ABC-Quick check on your bike.

A = Air. Are your tires properly inflated? Follow the PSI recommendations labeled on your tire. Low pressure tires are more likely to be punctured.

B = Brakes. Are your brakes working correctly. The wheels should spin freely when the brakes are not applied, and should stop spinning smoothly as you evenly apply the brakes. They should never grab and snap the wheel to a stop.

C = Cranks. Grab the arms on your crank and pull. They should be tight and solid. No wiggling.

Quick = Quick release. If your front or rear tires have quick release locks make sure that they are securely fastened.

If there is anything out of sorts or broken on your bike that you don’t feel comfortable fixing yourself, take to a bike shop and have it looked at.

Bikes follow the same laws as motor vehicles.

In some states bikes are legally considered the same as motor vehicles. Make sure you know your rights, and the law in your area. When you have the same rights you have the same responsibilities.

Drive in the same direction as traffic. Obey all traffic signs and signals. Yield to pedestrians and people on horseback. Pay close attention to actual motor vehicles around you, make eye contact, making sure that the vehicles know you are there. Avoid road hazards. Stay on the right and pass on the left. Use turn lanes. And give an audible signal when passing other cyclists.

The video and tips in the post are from the League of American Bicyclists with cooperation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .

The film was produced by GrippedFilms.com