Salem-News.com Safe & Sound Report: Family Bicycle Safety

Salem-News.com is dedicated to keeping residents Safe & Sound by offering tips from local police, fire, and state agencies to keep you and your family safe from danger.

Bicycle accidents like this one involving a school bus are always dangerous, but better when a person has safety equipment, like this one that only involved minor injuries Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - With sunny and warmer weather, along with the high gas prices, more and more children and families are spending time riding their bikes.

May is National Bicycle Safety Month and all cyclists, parents, and children need to follow standard safety precautions to ensure a safe ride.

Helmets:

Parents should take the lead by wearing their helmet, and encouraging their child to wear one as well. Choose a helmet with bright colors that are visible to motorists. Make sure your helmet fits correctly. If you need a helmet for your child, the Salem Fire Department offers free helmets to children. Call the Salem Fire Department for more information.

Safe Clothing:

Choose fluorescent or bright colored clothes. Pick lightweight clothes, especially during summer months. Choose shoes that grip your bike`s pedals.

Riding Safety:

Always ride on the right-hand side of the road “ in the same directions as cars do.

Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights.

Walk your bike across busy intersections using the cross walk.

For more bike safety tips visit www.kidshealth.org