According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control more then 700 people die as a result of bicycle related injuries each year in the United States In 2001, 59% of bicycle related injuries were by children 15 years of age or younger.
To make sure you don't end up as a statistic follow these steps:
- Wear a bike helmet at all times. The most serious bike injuries are to the head.
- Always strap on an approved safety helmet before you ride. Helmets are an essential element to bicycle safety.
- Try to keep your bike in good shape.
- Always let cars and people go first.
- Slow down and check traffic at all corners
- Follow the same rules as other traffic.
- Wear brightly colored clothing.
- Keep both hands on the handle bars except when doing turn signals.
- Walk across busy streets.
- Stay off busy streets.
- Don't do stunts!
- Don't ride double!
- Don't hitch rides!
- Never go in and out of traffic!
- Never go between two cars!
- Don't Leave Your Bike Unlocked
- Don't Ride At Night
For more on turn signals and bike safety visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's page on Bike Safety.