Cycling is one of America’s most popular summer activities — but it comes with serious risks that most riders underestimate. Each year, there are approximately 900 bicycle-related deaths in the United States and another half a million bicycle-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Children between the ages of 5 and 14 have the highest injury rate of all bicycle riders, and bicycle accidents are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in that age group.
The Danger of Riding at Night
While the majority of bicycle-related injuries occur during daylight hours, CPSC research found that a bicyclist is 2 to 4 times more likely to be killed while riding at night compared to riding during the day. If you must ride at night, install and use front and rear lights on your bicycle and wear clothing with reflective tape or markings. CPSC research found that a rear flashing LED bicycle light can significantly improve a bicycle’s visibility to drivers.
Sharing the Road Safely
Many bicycle-car crashes can be avoided by applying the rules of the road and by increasing attentiveness of both cyclists and motorists. Bicyclists have a legal right to share the road, but they are often not noticed in traffic. Drivers should always keep an eye out for bicyclists, especially when turning, merging, changing lanes, or entering intersections.
Safety Tips for All Riders
- Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet that meets CPSC’s federal safety standard. Look for a label inside the helmet confirming it complies with the CPSC standard.
- Before every ride, check that brakes work properly, gears shift correctly, and reflectors are securely in place.
- Ride in the direction of traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Stay alert at all times — keep a lookout for obstacles, road hazards, potholes, and opening car doors.
- Avoid biking at night whenever possible. If you must ride after dark, use front and rear lights and wear reflective clothing.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars and avoid distractions while riding.
- Make sure the bicycle fits the rider — children should be able to place both feet flat on the ground when seated.
Safety Tips for Children
- Never allow a child to ride without a properly fitted helmet, every single time.
- Children between ages 5 and 14 are at the highest risk of bicycle injury — supervise young riders closely.
- Teach children the rules of the road before allowing them to ride near traffic.
- Encourage teenagers to wear helmets — this age group is least likely to wear them and most at risk of serious injury.
To report an unsafe bicycle or bicycle-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1997/CPSC-Releases-Bicycle-Safety-Tips
