Bicycle Helmet Safety
Courtesy of City of Eastvale

Parents: Did you know? More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport.
Some bike crashes can cause serious injuries and most are related to the behavior of the bicyclist or the motorist. There are a number of things you can do to prevent a crash, and protect your brain should a crash occur.

Drivers:

• ‘Share the road’ with bicyclists.
• Be courteous; California law now mandates at least three feet of clearance when passing a bike rider.
• Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
• Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
• Be especially watchful for riders when making turns, either left or right.

Bicyclists:

• Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time you ride. It’s the law if under 18 years of age.
• Helmets should be properly worn and strapped despite the ride distance, even on a skateboard.
• A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.
• Riders are considered vehicle operators; you are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
• When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk.
• To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear.
• For additional safety, use a flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.