Pedaling Protection BICYCLE SAFETY AND RULES Before you get on your bike make sure that both you and your bike are safe and secure and that you know the rules of biking.   SAFETY Make sure you always wear a helmet and it's covering your forehead and not covering your eyes, and fasten the straps. Measure your bike to see that your bike is the right size for you and has all the accessories it needs. Click for information about how to make sure your bike is the right size. Make sure that your shoelaces are tied and your pants aren't baggy. Baggy jeans can get caught in the chain. Wear a mouth guard in case if you get hit by a car or anything else. It will protect your mouth, teeth and lips. Wearing a long sleeve shirt can shield your arms from cuts and scratches and tight, straight-legged pants can protect your legs. Make sure that you wear socks to protect your feet and ankles. Wear elbow, knee, or any other padding. Have money for calling home in case you're lost or get hurt. You should have a light on the front of your bike for riding in the dark so other cars can see you.     RULES Each year a lot of people get hurt because they don't follow the rules of bike safety. Do you want to be a safe bike rider? Follow these rules and be safe. When you ride in streets always ride with traffic and stay close to the curb. Always be alert--watch out for potholes, parked cars, sewer grates and anything else that will get in your way. Always obey traffic signals and signs. Before you cross the street, look left, then right. If you can't get across the street without injuring yourself, then don't go. Always walk your bike across streets. Keep both hands on the handle bar so you don't go out of control. Stay alert of the conditions changing because it could rain and you could slip right off your bike. At night always wear something reflective so others can see you. Have a light on the front of your bike so you can see in the dark. If you are a beginner, have a bike with four wheels so you don't get hurt on a two wheeler. Wear sunglasses so if the sun is in your eyes, you don't go out of control. Also have sunglasses for eye protection if you or a car whip up dirt, pebbles, rocks or anything else that will get in your eyes. Find out more about bike safety for kids in this site: Steering your Way to Bicycle Safety. You can see hand signals and find out how to keep your bike in a safe condition.   HOME | Preferences | Protection | Parts | Pros | Past | Pleasure | Performance | Puzzles | About Us | Bibliography | Links