Bicycle Safety Tips | Marshfield Police Department

FACTS: Based on National Statistics

Every six hours a bicyclist is fatally injured.
49% of all bicyclist deaths occur to children age 16 or younger.
Each year, nearly one million children are treated for bicycle-related injuries in U.S. Hospital emergency rooms or in other medical settings.
One in seven children suffers head injuries in bicycle-related accidents.
Head injuries cause three out of four serious injuries and deaths that occur in bicycle accidents.
Two-thirds of all bicycle accidents are not with an automobile.

Bike Signals

Make sure that you use the proper hand signals when turning or stopping.
Always obey all traffic laws.
Ride on the right-hand side of the road with the flow of traffic.
Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
Signal before making turns.
Use a headlight and reflectorized safety equipment when riding at night.
Always wear a helmet when riding.
Wear bright clothing with reflective strips particularly at night.
Be sure your bike is in proper operating condition before each ride.
Ride with traffic, never against it.
Watch for turning vehicles and vehicles exiting driveways.
Watch out for opening doors on parked cars
Ride on bike trails and streets with bike lanes whenever possible.
Never ride double or carry packages that obstruct your view or interfere with your control of the bike.
Teach your children the rules of the road for their protection. Responsible bicyclists are involved in fewer accidents.

* Pedestrians have the right of way, do not ride your bike on sidewalks.