Bike Safety Is About More Than Just Wearing a Helmet

May is National Bike Month and while most people think of the basic bike safety rules – wear a helmet, obey the rules of the road, check that the bike is in good working order – here are a few more that are equally as important:

Ditch the ear buds. You need to constantly be aware of your surroundings and if you’re lost in your music you’re not going to be alert or hear a car horn or a dog barking.

See and be seen. If you’re riding at night make sure you have light reflecting tape attached to your jacket or shirt. Even during the day be sure to wear brightly colored clothes. Install a headlight on your bicycle and one on your helmet so when you turn your head you can also see what’s nearby.

Have eyes in the back of your head. You wouldn’t drive a car without having side view mirrors, so why would you ride a bicycle without one? There are many rearview mirrors that can be attached to a bike helmet. Make sure you know what’s coming up from behind you, especially if you need to swerve to avoid a pothole or a car door opening.

Dress appropriately. Make sure neither you nor your kids wear loose fitting pants that could potentially get stuck in the gears or chain.

Stay visible to cars. If you’re waiting at a red light never stop in the blind spot of any car that is near you. The driver might not see you as he’s making a right turn and hit you as you begin to go. Rather, stay far in front of the car or behind it.

Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a cell phone with you but also a whistle to call attention if you’re in an area where you can’t get service or you’re being attacked. Ride along well-lit streets and avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods. If you feel a car is following you, get off the street as fast as possible.

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