Hop on Your Bike During National Bike Month
By Kathy Ferguson, RN, Parish Nurse
“You who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets, And you who travel on the road–sing! Judges 5:10
I really love this time of year because it means I get to take my bike down from the rafters in the garage and get it ready for riding season. I love biking! I am what could be thought of as a leisurely biker. Getting places quickly is not my goal, nor is riding my bike across Iowa. I love riding on the trails of Southeast Minnesota. One of my lifelong goals is to ride my bike during every month of the year. This is not so easy in Minnesota since I refuse to get on my bike when there is snow on the ground. So far, I have been able to bike in every month except January—not all of those rides were in Minnesota. I think that means that I need to take a vacation somewhere warm in January in the future and do some biking…not something I would complain about. I have not always taken bike safety as seriously as I do now. This month’s article will focus on enjoying bicycling while still staying safe.
May is National Bike Month. According to the League of American Bicyclists, May is a celebration of bikes, a reminder to get those bikes rolling again, or a time to give biking a try. During May, we also celebrate National Bike to Work Week (May 14-18) and Bike to Work Day (May 18). Did you know that bike commuting has grown by 62% between 2000 and 2013? Why have we seen this growth? According to the League of American Bicyclists, it is because of an increase in awareness of health and wellness, economic savings, a simpler option to get from place to place, and protecting the environment.
As we get our bikes back on the roads and trails, consider these recommendations:
Wear a helmet!
You always need a helmet wherever you ride, whether you are a child or adult.
What’s the big deal about wearing a helmet? Even a low-speed fall on a bicycle trail can cause a brain injury. According to the League of American Bicyclists, head injuries cause 75% of our nearly 700 annual bicycle deaths. Medical research shows that bike helmets reduce or prevent most of cyclists’ head injuries.
How do I know if my helmet fits me correctly? A good fit means the helmet is level on your head, touching all around, comfortably snug but not tight. The helmet should not move more than about an inch in any direction, and must not pull off no matter how hard you try. A sticker inside the helmet tells what standard it meets. Helmets made for the U.S. must meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard, so look for a CPSC sticker.
Anything else I should look for? Consider picking white or a bright color for increased visibility.
How much should I pay for a helmet? Most helmets have about the same impact protection regardless of price. I have seen prices for helmets range from $10-15 in a discount/big box store to well over $100 in a bike shop. One perk of buying a helmet in a bike shop is that they offer help in fitting the helmet. Above all, look for the CPSC sticker in your helmet.
How often should I replace my helmet? Replace any helmet if you crash. Impact crushes some of the foam, although the damage may not be visible. If your helmet was made before 1990, it’s time to replace it.
Give your bike a check before hitting the road.
Check your tires and tire pressure, brakes and general frame for any damage or adjustments that need to be made before riding.
Consider performing overall annual maintenance on your bike or hire someone to do it for you.
Make yourself visible to others.
Wearing bright colors can help keep you visible to others on the road—there is a reason that biking attire is neon green, yellow, and pink. Because nighttime can be dangerous for cyclists, it is a good idea to have reflective material on your outfit and head and tail lights on your bike.
Follow the traffic laws.
Bicycles should never go against the flow of traffic! Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as any motor vehicle, so make sure to follow all signs, and street markers when riding. You are responsible for yielding to pedestrians, obeying the speed limit and using hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you are going.
Don’t weave in and out of traffic. The more predictably you ride, the safer you are.
Use designated bike lanes on city streets, when available.
Stay alert!
Watch for cars, other bicyclists, and pedestrians. Put away your cell phone and avoid listening to music when riding.
Use biking etiquette.
If you are going to overtake a pedestrian or another biker on a trail, sidewalk, or the road, announce that you are going to do so. Use the bell on your bike or state, “Passing on your left” or something similar.
Do not park your bike in the middle of the trail if you have to stop. If possible, move your bike completely off the thoroughfare.
Consult the experts.
If you have questions or concerns about your bike or buying a bike, consult a local bike shop or bike repair service.
If you have questions about bicycling and traffic laws and safety, check: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/pedestrians-bicycles/Pages/default.aspx or https://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/bicycle/rules/index.cfm
If you want to find a place to bike, check with Rochester Parks & Recreation for maps of the local trails: http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks-trails/maps or https://www.webikerochester.com/ For state trails, check: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/biking/
Have fun!
Bicycling is an activity that you can enjoy for your lifetime. Just be sure to know your limits and stay safe.
Get out there and hop on your bike! I hope to see you on the trails.
Resources:
League of American Bicyclists: http://bikeleague.org/bikemonth
The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: https://helmets.org/bikeweek.htm