Bicycle Safety

What are bicycle risks?

According to the CDC, web-based injury statistics query and reporting system, adults aged 50 to 59 years have the highest bicycle death rates. Additionally, of those who die in bicycle accidents, 37% involve alcohol by either a motor vehicle driver or a bike rider. 

At the same time, children and adolescents aged 5-19 years experience the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries. As a result, children account for more than 1/3 of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency rooms. 

Scroll down for more information on injuries and how to protect yourself and your family.

Types of bicycle injuries

As previously mentioned, bicycle injuries account for a large portion of emergency room visits each year among children. Generally, injuries sustained by cyclists include:

  • Head injuries including, concussion and traumatic brain injury
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Knee injuries including from overuse
  • Wrist/forearm injuries
  • Foot injuries
  • Urogenital injuries

Protect yourself

Protecting yourself while riding a bike is essential for ensuring an enjoyable ride with a safe return home. As such, we have provided some basic safety measures you can take before you ride.

Check your equipment

  • Adjust your seat to the proper height and lock it into position
  • Secure parts and ensure they work properly
  • Inflate your tires properly and check the pressure regularly
  • Equip your bike with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals, and spokes
  • Install a horn, bell, rear-view mirror, or headlight
 
 
 

Dress appropriately

  • Wear bright clothing, neon or fluorescent is best
  • Avoid riding after daylight if possible
  • If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashlights and/or head and tail lights

Wear a helmet

  • Check out the CDC’s concussion and helmet safety app available from Apple or Google Play to learn how to properly adjust your helmet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

For more bicycle safety information including statistics and additional resources, please click here.