- Cars and bicycles have not come to peace with each other. While the number of bicycles on the road is increasing, the number of cars is increasing as well. Whether children riding around the neighborhood, commuters on their way to work, or serious cyclists getting a workout, all need to be proactive and protect themselves. Ride single-file and ride defensively.
- According to Fatality Analysis Reporting Systems, in 2008 there were 34,017 fatal crashes involving motor vehicles in the United States. In those accidents, 716 cyclists were killed (Reference 1). The Brain Injury Association of America reports that between 70 and 80 percent of bicyclist fatalities are due to brain injuries (Reference 2). It states that many of these deaths can be prevented with the proper use of helmets.
- In the article "How to Not Get Hit by Cars: Important Lessons in Bicycle Safety" on Bicyclesafe.com, author Michael Bluejay discusses the 10 most common types of collisions between cars and bicycles (Reference 3). He writes that it is most important for cyclists to understand how to ride safely. Often collisions are due to either the driver or the cyclist failing to yield to the right of way and being unaware of his surroundings.
- In addition to being aware, there are general safety rules to follow when riding a bicycle. These include wearing a helmet, wearing reflective clothing, having reflectors on the bike, always riding on the right side of the road (with the flow of traffic), using bicycle lanes whenever possible, signaling turns and not riding in the dark.
- If you are riding for recreation, your best option may be to head for a bicycle path that is solely for cyclists and pedestrians. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (www.railstotrails.org) converts former railroad beds to paved surfaces for exercise. While cars are not a danger on these paths, pedestrians can pose problem. A cyclist should always ride on the right, pass on the left, and announce his presence.
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