Bicycles are a common form of transportation throughout the year and is also a great way to exercise.  That is why it is very important for you to know and practice good bicycle safety rules and laws.  In New York State, anyone under the age of 14 is required to wear a bicycle helmet.  It is estimated that 31% of all bicycle related injuries involve brain injury.  Since this law was passed, head injuries have been reduced by 85%.
 

Tips for Buying a Helmet

• CPSC (Consumer Product Safety  Commission) label should be on the helmet.

• Helmet should be snug and fit - should not be worn tilted back, at an angle, or should not obstruct your vision.

• Chin strap on helmet should always be buckled and make the helmet fit in a snug position on the head.

Tips for Bicycling

• Wear a helmet.
• Ride bicycle with the traffic, NOT against.
• Know and obey all traffic lights, signals, and laws as motorists.

• Know hand signals - this allows motorists to know what you, as the bicycler, may be doing when riding with the traffic.  See below for hand signals.

• Keep to the right of the road.
• Wear fluorescent or reflective clothing.
• Inspect your bicycle frequently for any flaws and repair as needed.
• Only have one person at a time riding a bicycle.
• Have working reflectors on front and back of bicycle.
• Always know where the traffic is around you.
• Stay alert at all times.
• Teach your children bicycle safety.

If you have any questions regarding Bicycle Safety please contact us at (315) 253-1560 or email us at cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us.