Spotlight with David Daggett: May is Bike Safety Month
May is the perfect month to get back into cycling, or the perfect month to learn! Building a lifetime of healthy habits starts one step at a time, and biking is a great activity to do with the whole family. It is always a good time to get out and start leading a healthy lifestyle and stay safe while doing so. Let’s take a look at bike safety.
First, let’s talk about helmets. All bike riders – especially children – should have a helmet. Helmets should be well-fitted, which means it sits low on the forehead with only one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow. The left and right side straps should form a “Y” under the ear, and meet right below the ear. Helmets should be snug on your head, protecting you from a traumatic injury should you crash. And remember, helmets are required in the state of North Carolina for all bike riders under the age of 16, and all cyclists are encouraged to wear one.
Visibility is also a very important safety consideration when riding around town. You should be sure to wear bright colored clothing, or clothing with reflective enhancements so that other drivers can see you in less-than-ideal conditions. If cycling as a family, keep in mind that as children are smaller, they are less visible to passing motorists. Reflectors or blinking lights on the front of bikes is a great way to increase visibility. Being seen helps keep you and your family safe on the roads.