Get rides in during National Bike Month
National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists normally during the month of May, will be promoted the month of September this year due to COVID-19.
This is great inspiration and motivation for everyone to get out and cycle. With a focus on well-being, they’re highlighting how #Bikesunite and benefit physical and mental health. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of the movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.
The League is promoting Bike to Work Week from September 21-27, and Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, September 22. Now is a great time to discuss bike safety.
First and foremost, the helmet is a very important piece of safety equipment. By law, all helmets sold in the U.S. must meet standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Some helmets are also endorsed by the nonprofit Snell Foundation, but the CPSC stamp of approval is what matters. Improperly wearing a helmet can be more dangerous than not wearing one at all. For a proper fitting helmet, make sure no more than three fingers fit between the chin and the helmet strap. When pushing the helmet from the back forward, the helmet should not touch the bridge of the nose. It should sit squarely and securely one or two fingers above the eyebrow. When pushing the helmet upward and back from the front, the helmet should not go above the forehead.
Some rules of the road are to obey all traffic regulations, signs, signals, and markings. Bicycles are subject to the same rules of vehicular traffic, wherever they apply. Observe all local ordinances pertaining to bike safety. It is your responsibility to know them and obey them. Keep right and drive with the traffic, not against it. Drive single file. Keep as close to the curb as practical. Watch out for drain grates, soft shoulders, and other road surface hazards. Watch out for car doors opening and for cars pulling into traffic. Don’t carry passengers or packages that interfere with your vision or control. Never hitch a ride on a truck or other vehicle. Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping. Protect yourself at night with the required reflectors and lights. Be extremely careful at intersections, especially when making a left turn. Most accidents happen at intersections. Drive your bike defensively; watch out for the other person.
Biking will allow you to not only enjoy your surroundings; you will also save money and enjoy some healthy benefits. Cycling reduces air, water, and noise pollution. You don’t have to pay for automobile insurance or gasoline. You will reduce stress and improve your cardiovascular health, which is something that many Mississippians need to be thinking about.
Riding your bike is a fun, lifelong activity you can enjoy in a variety of climates. It is also a great means to see the world around you.