How to Be Safe Riding a Bike

Safety is the most important thing when it comes to riding a bike. Since you are not enclosed inside of a steel box (like in a car), you are very exposed while riding a bike, especially when you ride a bike on the street. Here's how to be safe riding a bike

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bike
• A helmet
• A bike light

1. 
   Make sure you always wear a bike helmet

   The most important aspect of being safe while riding a bike is to wear a helmet. If you get in an accident, you can always recover from leg, arm, or other injuries. However, head injuries are always much more serious and can be fatal. So in order to be safe while you ride a bike, make sure you always wear a helmet.

2. 
   Learn bike signals to be safe while you ride a bike

   Next, make sure you follow all street laws. Learn proper hand signals so that cars around you know what you are doing while riding on the street. Also, make sure you try to ride on the side of the street, so cars can pass you when necessary.

3. 
   Increase bike visibility with a headlight

   Visibility is also a very big issue when it comes to being safe when you ride a bike, especially at night. You should always have at least 3 or 4 reflectors on your bike, so when light shines on you, drivers can identify that you are riding a bike (especially important when it is dark). Also, if you frequently ride your bike at night, its important to purchase a bike headlight which will improve your visibility.

4. Exercise general caution while you ride your bike to be as safe as possible. Whenever you turn, make sure you turn your head to make sure there are no cars in the way. Also, NEVER ride your bike while listening to music. This is illegal, and sometimes quiet cars (like many hybrid cars) can quietly sneak up on you. Always remember that safety is the most important thing when it comes to riding a bike.