Bicycle Safety

Learn how to cycle safely.

Did you know?

The human skull is made of only 3-5 mm of bone, about the width of a pencil, or 3 pennies stacked on top of one another
Researchers estimate that for every 10 cyclists killed, 7 or 8 would have escaped serious injury if they were wearing a helmet
It’s the Law! Everyone under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet while cycling. The fine for not wearing a bike helmet is $80

When Cycling Remember…

Always wear your helmet correctly:

Your helmet should sit level on your head – it should cover the head down to 2 fingers above the eyebrows.
The straps should meet in a “V” just below your ears
There should only be enough room to fit one finger between your chin and the chin strap.

Always follow the rules of the road:

Use proper hand signals at all times (turn the page over to review cycling hand signals).
Obey all traffic signs.

Parents…Be Good Role Models!

Studies show that if parents wear their bike helmets, their children are more likely to wear bike helmets.
If parents do not own or wear a bike helmet, their children are much less likely to wear a bike helmet themselves.

ALWAYS WEAR AN APPROVED BICYCLE HELMET.
USE THE LIGHT, REFLECTOR /REFLECTIVE TAPE REQUIRED BY LAW. WEAR LIGHT OR BRIGHT COLOURS.
LEARN AND OBEY ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS.
DRIVE ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD.
RIDE SINGLE FILE.
LEARN AND USE HAND SIGNALS.
STOP BEFORE LEAVING YOUR DIVEWAY OR LANE.
WALK AT BUSY CORNERS.
BE ALERT TO PASSING VEHICLES.
NEVER "DOUBLE" RIDE.
NEVER "HITCH" ON TO ANOTHER VEHICLE.
DON'T "TRICK RIDE".
KEEP YOUR BIKE IN GOOD REPAIR.
USE A CARRIER.
LOCK YOUR BIKE.

From the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital – Emergency Department

Reliable Links:

Canada Safety Council http://www.safety-council.org/info/child/bicycle.htm

Ontario Ministry of Transportation (2003). Cycling skills.http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/cycling/youngcyclist.htm

Windsor Essex County Health Unit