Erlton wants you to enjoy your bicycle as much as possible, and the best way to do that is to be safe! Bring your bike to Erlton at any time for an evaluation and recommendations on how you can ride safer. Follow these simple rules to stay safe on the road.
1) Wear your helmet! – The number one bicycle safety rule is the one that most people ignore. Make sure your helmet fits properly and sits snugly on your head. It should rest straight on the forehead, parallel with your eyebrows. A helmet can save your life in the event of an accident.
2) Make sure your bike is in good condition. – Every time you leave you should be sure that you have proper air pressure in your tire to help avoid flats. Always check your brakes, and make sure your lights have batteries and are working before riding at night. If you notice any problems with your bike while riding it, bring it in to Erlton for a free evaluation. Your bike should be fully tuned up at least once a year.
3) Use proper hand signals. – Always signal to drivers and pedestrians when you are turning or changing lanes. These are the same hand signals that drivers learn in the driving manual.
4) Obey all traffic laws. – A bicycle is a vehicle and you are a driver. Leave the sidewalk for pedestrians. Ride in appropriate lanes, always ride in the same direction as traffic, and use turning lanes when available. Ride in a straight line, and don’t weave in between traffic.
5) See and be seen. – Stay alert while riding your bike. Pay attention to cars that might be turning, or pedestrians that might not see you. Use reflectors and lights to stay visible at night. Erlton recommends a bright solid white light in the front of your bike, and large blinking red light in the rear for best visibility. Use a mirror either attached to your handlebars, helmet, or glasses. Wear reflective clothing, and add reflective stickers to any backpacks or other clothing.
For more biking safety check out the following links.
http://bicyclesafe.com/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2088773_ride-bicycle-safely-street.html
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/kidsandbikesafetyweb/index.htm