Whether you’re riding your bike for fun, to exercise, or to get to your destination, biking can be a great alternative to driving.
May is National Bike Month, which highlights all of the reasons and benefits of riding a bike. Forty percent of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, so biking can be a great way to get fresh air as well as exercise. However, we must remember there is a big responsibility that comes with riding a bike as it is a vehicle, not a toy.
Before riding a bike, here are simple riding guidelines to follow:
1. Always wear a helmet. It is important to make sure it is properly fitted. This means it should be level and fastened tightly. Wearing a helmet is the best way to prevent a head injury.
2. Check your bike to make sure it is safe to ride. A simple check is ABC – or air pressure check, brake check and chain check. These three things should be checked every single time before you go out on a ride.
3. Always obey the rules of the roadway. It is crucial to realize that if you’re riding a bike in the roadway, you’re considered a vehicle and must adhere to all of the same rules as cars and trucks. This includes, but is not limited to, stopping at all stop signs/lights, riding on the correct side of the road, signaling turns and having proper lighting when riding at night.
If you have any questions about how to safely ride your bike, properly fit your helmet or checking your bike, visit the Powell Police Department from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and request to speak with Ofc. Josh Waymire.