Two wheeling around town? Stay safe this summer
With many recreational options closed, or just now reopening, due to the pandemic, many people have flocked to the local parks for safe diversions. One pastime includes bicycling.
However, safety is paramount when deciding to two-wheel it around the neighborhood.
According to information from the American Automobile Association, driving dropped last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and bicycling and ebikes became popular. This sets up a potential for cyclists as the world opens up again and driving starts returning to normal.
Nationally, bicyclists killed in crashes with vehicles increased 36 percent from 2010 to 2018 with most of them occurring among male riders 20 years and older, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. More than 48,000 cyclists are injured in roadway crashes each year.
Safety officials from cities in Ohio shared tips on how bicyclists can stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
One safety tip Lt. Jamie Siegfried of the Reminderville police department offered was not only finding a helmet, but making sure it fits properly.
“A properly fitted helmet worn correctly can possibly mean the difference between life and death in a cycling crash,” he said.
Also, make sure the bicycle is the correct size and is in good working order, especially the brakes, Siegfried said. Contact an area bicycle shop for assistance, including fitting services.
“Use lighting on your bicycle, even during the day and reflective clothing at
night,” he said. “Anything that draws attention to you as a cyclist is a good thing.”
Just like vehicle drivers, bicyclists need to follow traffic laws, Siegfried said.
“Ride with the flow of traffic and don’t assume operators of other vehicles see you or will yield to you,” he said.
Steve Bosso, the assistant fire chief and public information officer for the Twinsburg Fire Department, agreed that every bicycle rider needs a helmet.
“Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of length of the ride,” Bosso said. “Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
A helmet that is the proper fit “should not rock more than one inch side to side or front to back on your head,” Bosso said.
Bicyclists should inspect their bikes before riding, including seat adjustments, and making sure everything is secure and in good working order, Bosso said. Tires should be properly inflated, and reflectors should be included on the rear, front, pedals and spokes. Bosso also recommends a horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight.
When riding, Bosso said that bicyclists should ride single-file in the direction of traffic.
“Remain alert,” he said. “Keep your head up and look around. Watch for opening car doors and other hazards. Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections.”
Sgt. Brian Zambach of the Northfield Village Police Department stressed that bicyclists need to follow the same laws as motorists, and should make sure they are visible, especially at night.
“I see it all the time, when riding at night,” Zambach said about the lack of lights on bicycles. “They need some sort of white light in front and a red light on the back. Some do, the avid bicyclists will at least have a white light in front.”
Bicyclists need to ride with traffic “and stop at those red lights and signs.”
“If I see a bike coming up, I expect them to stop,” Zambach said. “Not all do. When they are on the road operating in that fashion, they are considered a vehicle.”
Macedonia Police Chief Jon Golden said that the city does not sponsor any activities such as a bike rodeo, although this was something Macedonia did many years ago. However, Macedonia police officers keep an eye out for children and teens following the rules and safety tips when they are out riding their bicycles or skateboarding. Children stopped for their good behavior are given gift certificates, donated by area businesses.
According to information from AAA, sales of bicycles and e-bikes have risen. Between January and October 2020, bicycle sales increased 62% in the U.S. over the prior year, and e-bikes, bicycles which have both a battery and are pedal-powered, saw an even greater increase in sales – up 144% year over year, according to NPD group which monitors retail sales trends.
Indeed, the increased popularity of bicycles has led to a bike shortage, according to information from the United States Census Bureau. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News reports the shortage will probably continue until mid-2022.
According to data from the 2017 economic census, 6,521 sporting goods stores sold an estimated $3.6 billion worth of bikes in the United States.
Those sales accounted for 14.1% of total sales of sporting goods stores that sold bikes ($25.6 billion) and 8.1% of all sporting goods stores sales ($44.5 billion).