Courtesy of Independent Health’s Corporate Wellness Department
There are so many great reasons to ride your bike. Not only is it fun and good for the environment, but it’s also a great form of exercise. People who bike to work or school show fewer risk factors for heart disease and are often more fit than other commuters.
With May being National Bike Month, we encourage everyone, from children to adults, to ride their bikes as much as possible. If you’re just beginning or haven’t ridden in a while, here are some tips and techniques to keep in mind:
Wear a helmet:
- It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.
- Make sure you have the right size helmet. It should meet U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Look for a CPSC label inside the helmet to be sure.
- A helmet should fit on the top of the head in a level position. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. Look up and you should see the bottom of the helmet.
- Make sure the straps of the helmet form a “V” under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
- Open your mouth as wide as you can. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin.
Proper equipment and clothing:
- When sitting on the seat of the bicycle, your feet should be able to touch the ground.
- Make sure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
- Long or loose clothing can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes. Dress kids appropriately to ensure a safe ride.
- Wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.
- Headlights aren’t so much for bicyclists to see where they are going but for others to see them.
Riding etiquette:
- Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you. Anticipate what others may do before they do it. The quicker you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid an accident.
- Drive with the flow of traffic and use hand signals.
- Obey street signs and traffic signals.
- Don’t listen to music, text or do anything while riding that could distract you by taking your eyes and ears off the road.
- Pass pedestrians by announcing “on your left.”
Enter Independent Health’s Bike Month Contest
Do you love bicycling in Western New York? Then we want to hear about it. In 350 words or less, tell us why you love riding a bike – is it your main mode of transportation? Has it helped you in your health and wellness journey? Is it something you enjoy doing with your family?
Submit your story and you could win the grand prize, a Bike Month Prize Pack courtesy of Independent Health, which includes:
- One (1) $200 Amazon gift card
- Two (2) complimentary registrations to GObike’s 11th annual SkyRide and two (2) bike helmets
- Two (2) free annual memberships to Reddy Bikeshare (or two $40 riding credits for existing members)
- One (1) Independent Health prize pack
The contest runs now through May 24. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of New York State. Stories will be reviewed by a panel of judges. In addition, our partners at GObike are offering a variety of events during Bike Month presented by Independent Health. Look for our RedShirts on select dates with free giveaways, while supplies last.
For everything related to Bike Month, including contest rules and other details, visit our website.
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