National Bike Month

Whew, I didn't realize May was National Bike Month and May is flying by! I did know that last week was Bike to Work Week since my hubby rode his bike one or two days.

I decided to review safe biking skills with my second graders. Actually, these are rules all bicyclists should know. So here are some good tips to keep you and your family safe while biking.

1. Wear a helmet! It should be a quality, correctly fitted helmet. (Here's a video on how to choose a helmet.) The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that around 2/3 of all biking deaths result from traumatic brain injury. Safety experts estimate that more than half of those could be prevented by wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet is not just for kids!

2. Bicyclists should ride on the road, and on the same direction as traffic.

3. Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals.

4. Motorists and Bicyclists should yield the right of way to each other. (Courtesy works both ways.)

5. Motorists must at all times maintain a 3-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist. (Good reminder for those of us driving as well as biking.)

6. Bicyclists must signal their turns. Years ago, we taught the kids right, left and stop hand signals. Now we are told that you just need to point the direction you are turning.

7. Lights and reflectors are required at night.

8. Wear a helmet. Oh, did I mention that already?

You might also want to check and see if your city or town has additional rules for bicyclists.

National Bike Month might be wrapping up but the summer biking season is just getting into full swing. Have fun on your bike but be safe!!!