Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Spring 2019

6 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES Ride on the right side of safety Whether you’re 6 or 60, a bicycle is your ticket to good-for-you fun. All you have to do is hop on, hit the pedals and go. But wait: Not so fast! Even if you’ve ridden a bike a thousand times before, it’s worth checking out these safety reminders. In May, Faith Regional Health Services and a host of other local businesses fitted kids with free bike helmets and taught bike safety at the annual Landon Bos Memorial Bicycle Rodeo. Since 2008, over 1,000 kids have participated in bike safety inspections, helmet fitting, a bicycle obstacle course and many other activities. Be good to your brain. Make this a family rule: Everyone wears a helmet with every ride—mom and dad too. Make sure the helmet fits properly or it may not protect your noggin in a crash. Check out helmets.org/fit.htm for tips to ensure a good fit. Be seen. Consider getting a flashing red rear light for your bike for low-visibility situations (stay off the road at night). At a minimum, install front and back reflectors and dress in bright clothes, even in daylight. (Neon will get you noticed!) Check your gear. Do the brakes work? Is the chain loose? Are the tires properly inflated? A well-working bike is a safer bike. Watch for hazards. Remind kids to watch for parked cars (doors can open suddenly) and cars backing out of driveways. Be ready to avoid potholes, rocks or other road debris. Go with the flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic—never against it. Follow road rules. Stop at stop signs and traffic lights. Just like motorists, cyclists must obey signs, signals and lane markings. Ride a bike that fits. A bike that’s too big can be difficult for you or your kids to control. Check with a bike shop for tips on buying a bike. Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; National Institutes of Health