When you cycle in traffic, carefully follow the rules of the road. If you don’t, the consequences can be serious. On average in Saskatchewan, 158 cyclists are injured and two die in road collisions every year.

Cars, trucks and bikes share the road. Cyclists have a right to use a traffic lane, but they must obey all traffic rules.

Cyclists should remember to:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride single file on the right-hand side of the road.
• Use arm signals when turning or changing lanes.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Obey traffic lights and signs. It’s okay to walk your bike through an intersection if riding through busy traffic makes you uncomfortable.
• Learn to look over your shoulders without losing your balance or swerving.
• Scan the road ahead for potholes, railway crossings, slippery surfaces, loose gravel and other obstacles.
• Remember that drivers have blind spots. Ride either well ahead of or well behind vehicles.
• Experienced riders should ride on the road, not the sidewalk. Beginners should learn on the sidewalk and be accompanied by an adult.
• Never wear headphones when cycling. The music is distracting and drowns out the noise of other traffic.
• Always ride with caution. Although you may see an approaching vehicle, the driver may not see you.

Athletes, construction workers and bike couriers wear helmets. The helmets may be different, but they all do the same thing – prevent head injuries.

All cyclists should wear helmets, and children especially should be encouraged.

• Parents and teachers should set an example by wearing helmets when they ride.
• Adults should be consistent. A helmet is necessary anywhere someone is riding a bike, including backyards, parks and schoolyards.
• Let the young cyclist participate in choosing a comfortable, appealing helmet.
• Praise the young cyclist for wearing a helmet.
• Consider not allowing the young cyclist to ride without a helmet.
• Inform the young cyclist that the risks of riding without a helmet are brain damage and even death.
• Discourage negative comments about helmets.

Unfortunately incidents can happen. It doesn’t take much to hurt your head in a crash while riding your bicycle. Even if you can’t see the damage, your brain can be hurt when it hits the inside of your skull. Damaged brain tissue doesn’t heal. A head injury can permanently change the way a child or adult walks, talks, plays and thinks.

In Saskatchewan, in the five-year period from 1998-2003, 10 cyclists died and more than 1,200 were injured. According to SmartRisk, the Canadian non-profit charitable organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives, cycling-related injuries are estimated to cost the Saskatchewan health care system $3.6 million annually.

SGI and other provincial and community agencies believe it is important to educate the public on the importance of wearing safety approved bicycle helmets when operating a bicycle on a highway or any other property where cycling is permitted.

A properly fitted helmet helps protect the brain from absorbing the force from a crash or fall, decreasing the risk of a serious head injury by up to 85 per cent. In addition, four out of five head injuries could be prevented if every cyclist wore a helmet.

However, wearing a helmet is only half the battle. The helmet must be worn properly for the maximum safety benefit. When putting on your bicycle helmet, remember:

• The helmet should fit snugly.
• Foam pads can be attached inside the helmet if the cyclist’s head is an “in between” size.
• The helmet should be worn level on the head, parallel to the ground.
• The chin straps should form a “V” directly under the earlobe.
• When fastened, the straps should be just tight enough to allow one finger between the straps and the rider’s chin.

Equipment tips

Even if you follow the rules of the road, motorists may not see you. In addition to a helmet, there are other things that will help you to ride safely:

• A headlight helps you to see and be seen.
• Install reflectors (front, rear, spokes and pedals) and wear bright clothes to be extra visible.
• Ride a bike that fits. You should be able to stand over the top tube of the bicycle (between the handlebars and saddle) with both feet on the ground. You should be able to put your tiptoes on the ground when seated on the saddle.
  
  Beginner cyclists should be able to put their feet flat on the ground while seated on the saddle. The seat can be raised as the beginner gains confidence and skill. A bicycle that is too big or not adjusted properly is not just uncomfortable, it is dangerous to operate.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars. If you have to carry something, use a backpack – or a basket, saddlebag or rack attached to your bike. (Make sure the load is balanced and secure.)
• Keep your bike in good working condition. Take a bike course, learn from a magazine or take your bike to a shop and let an expert handle the job.
• Consider adding a mirror, fenders, chain guard and kick stand to your bike for added safety.

Be aware of and respect other drivers, whether they’re on two wheels or four. If you understand and follow the traffic rules, you’ll make our streets and highways safer for everyone. Have a safe cycling season!

For more information about bicycle safety please contact:

SGI Traffic Safety Promotion
5104 Donnely Crescent
P.O. Box 1580
Regina, SK S4P 3C4
E-mail: sgivideolibrary@sgi.sk.ca
Fax: 306-359-0312

To borrow a video on cycling safely:
1-800-667-8015 ext. 6042