Guest Column — Hot Topics

May is National Bike Month — let’s enjoy it safely 

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It’s beautiful out and the warm weather is here! What could be more perfect than riding your bike to school, work, or a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk? Before you pull your bike out, let’s go over how to stay safe on two wheels.

Riding a bike is fun, safe and healthy option for transportation. But as with most things, you need to practice safety to avoid accidents and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department because of bike injuries. According to the state Health Department, about 54 residents of any age in New York are killed in bicycle crashes each year. About 2,000 residents are hospitalized due to bicycle-related injuries. Of these hospitalizations, approximately 38 percent involve a brain injury.

Wear your helmet!

Hopefully the data in the previous paragraph convinced you to wear a helmet, no matter your age. Its state law that anyone under the age of 14 to wear a helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes, and account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths.

A head injury can mean brain injury. That’s why it’s so important to wear your bike helmet. Wearing one doesn’t mean you can be reckless, but a helmet will provide some protection for your face, head, and brain in case you fall down.

Be safe, be seen, be ride-ready 

Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated. Make sure your reflectors and lights and working and visible. Test that your handles, gears and brakes are working. Make sure your chain is oiled and runs smoothly.

Wearing bright clothes and putting reflectors on your bike also can help you stay safe. It helps other people on the road see you, and that means they’re less likely to run into you. Daytime riding is the safest so try to avoid riding your bike at night or when it’s dark out.  

Follow the rules of the road 

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