Cycling Tips for the Entire Family

Few outdoor activities are as family-friendly as bicycling. Everyone can participate, from the infant dozing comfortably in the bike trailer to the grandparents pedaling along with their children and grandchildren.

Cycling is a great way to combine exercise and family time, and a perfect opportunity to teach your children the rules of the road. Below is a checklist of safety information to pass on to all generations.

Periodic Maintenance

Check tires for leaks, worn spots and proper pressure.
Adjust your seat so that your leg bends only slightly when the ball of your foot rests on the pedal and your handlebars so that your grips are below your shoulders.
Keep your pedals greased, and the nuts and bolts on your seat, handlebars and wheels tight.
Test your brakes regularly.
Replace any lost or broken reflectors.

Riding Tips

Obey traffic laws, such as riding with the flow of traffic, obeying traffic signs and signals, yielding when entering a roadway, using hand signals before turning or changing lanes, passing on the left and using a light at night.
Make eye contact with motorists and other cyclists. Don't assume they see you, even if you have the right of way.
Use bike lanes and paths whenever they are available.
Leave a safe distance between your bike and any vehicles, including parked cars. Don't let an open car door suddenly obstruct your path.
If you're caught in the rain, make allowances for increased stopping distance and decreased visibility.
Follow familiar routes. If an emergency arises, you'll be in a better position to help yourself and your family and friends have a better chance of locating you. Whenever possible, let someone know your exact route.
To avoid spills, cross train tracks at an angle and continually scan the roadway for potholes, sewer grates, loose gravel, or other obstacles.

Apparel/Safety Gear

Make sure motorists see you. Wear light-colored or fluorescent clothing to enhance visibility.
Loose-fitting clothing, as well as backpacks and other items, should be secured and kept far away from any moving bicycle parts.
Wear a helmet!! Arguably the most important safety measure you can take, donning a properly-fitted helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85 percent. Look for helmets that have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Your helmet should fit snuggly, with the side buckles situated just below the earlobes. You should not be able to push it off from the front or the sides. Make helmets a required element whenever you or your children go for a ride.

Courtesy of Article Resource Association, www.aracopy.com

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