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Bicycle Safety Recommendations

posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

A helmet is the most important piece of equipment you can use when riding a bike. In fact, it is so important that Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a division of the federal government, devised safety standards for helmets. When purchasing headgear, always make sure that your helmet contains a sticker stating that it meets the requirements of the CPSC.

Wearing the right gear is important for staying safe. 

• Wear brightly colored clothing and place reflective material on your bike so motorists can see you. 
• Do not wear loose pants of have long backpack straps of loose shoelaces. These items can get caught in your bike spokes and can cause you to lose control.
• Always wear sneakers when biking.
• Wear riding gloves to get a better grip on the handlebars. Kids may want to wear them too since they look "professional."

Other important reminders about helmets: 

• Always wear a helmet even if you are just going for a quick ride down the drivewayor around the block.
• Helmets should be worn so that they cover your forehead with the straps fastened. Adjust the straps so that they are snug enough that you cannot pull or twist the helmet around your head. 
• Take care of a helmet by placing it in its proper strorage place and not throwing it around when you are not wearing it. Also, if you fall down, get a new helmet, as it may not be as effective after a crash. 
• Place reflective stickers on helmets, especially for kids, so that motorists can see them on the road. 

Road Rules

• Keep an eye out for motorists, even if you are on a sidewalk or trail. A car may pull out from a driveway and not be able to see you coming. 
• When crossing a busy road, walk your bike through the intersection instead of riding it. 
• Watch out for common fall spots such as wet leaf piles, puddles, strom gates, gravel, curbs and potholes.
• Always keep your hands on the handlebars.
• Stop and look both ways before leaving a driveway or sidewalk. 
• Ride on the right side of the street so that you are moving in the same direction as motorists. 
• Obey traffic laws just like motorists. That means stopping at stop signs and obeying streetlights. 
• When riding in a group, do spo in a single-file line. 

TrueNorth Offers Protection

As always, TrueNorth is happy to assist you by providing comprehensive insurance and financial solutions for both home and business. Visit www.iTrueNorth.com or call (319) 739-1277 for an insurance quote to help safeguard the things that matter most to you.