Bicycle safety

Bicycling is an easy and healthy way to get around. It doesn’t take as long as you think, and by riding your bike to work, or the park or other destinations, you’ll be more physically active and stand to gain from the various health benefits of doing so. Plus it’s fun!

Riding your bike to work or to the park, also allows you to interact with your neighbourhood. Saying “Hi” or waving to neighbours and others who you pass can help build social connections. Cycling brings more eyes onto the street to deter crime. With fewer vehicles on the road, less road maintenance is required. Having fewer vehicles on the road can also improve safety for all road users.

But there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Children under the age of 10 shouldn’t ride on the road with other vehicle traffic. They don’t understand the risks of riding in traffic and are more easily distracted, which can cause an accident. They also aren’t as able to dodge obstacles like potholes, other cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians.

The rules of the road not only apply to motorists, but cyclists as well. Be sure to recognize and obey traffic signs while out on your bike. All road users are subjected to the same laws and can receive tickets for not obeying traffic safety signs.

Hand signals are also very important to learn. Letting traffic and other cyclists know what you’re doing can decrease the risk of accidents. Whenever you are on the bicycle path, always ride on the right side of the path. Riding on the wrong side of the road (or against traffic) or path can cause collisions with other cyclists or vehicles. Consider using a bell to let pedestrians or other cyclists know you are behind them.

Always wear a helmet. Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of brain injury by 80 per cent. In Alberta, helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 18. Parents can be good role models by also wearing a helmet. Research shows that when parents wear helmets, their children are more likely to wear helmets too.

For more on safe cycling, visit Parachute Canada at parachutecanada.org. Information on various other health related topics can be found at myhealth.ab.ca or by calling Health Link at 811.

Riding your bike to work or to the park, also allows you to interact with your neighbourhood.”