According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 784 cyclists were killed in 2005 while cycling. In 2004, there were 725 killed, and for four years previous annual bicycle deaths ranted from 629 to 732 people each year.

Statistics bicycle injuries are not readily available, since most go unreported.

Use the proper equipment

1. Make sure your bike fits you well and is adjusted for their size.

2. Equip your bike with safety equipment: a white lamp (preferably that you can adjust to an intermittent mode for use during the day to become more visible), the reflectors and / or reflective tape or markings, a red rear flashing light (essential for riding at night), a horn or bell (sound signal to the drivers know where it is, or is there at all), and mirrors on the handlebars.

3. Each time, before you ride, be sure the tires are properly inflated, the brakes work, and nothing is loose on his bike.

Dress For Cycling

4. Always wear a well fitted bike helmet to protect you in case of a fall or an accident. (Consider placing a mirror on the helmet, too.)

5. Use bright colors and neon lights or reflective clothing even during the day.

6. At night, wear a reflective jacket or vest or a safety triangle.

Plan ahead

7. Know the rules of the road bike and any specific rules for your area

8. Plan your trip at the slow or residential areas where possible to avoid the rapidly changing downtown traffic.

9. Avoid narrow roads and choose wide roads where there is more room for bikes and cars maneuver if you can.

10. Always stay alert. Do not ride with headphones or an iPod. And never use your cell phone while cycling!

11. Never hurry. When you're in trouble, you can get careless or take unnecessary risks. It also makes it more likely that you could come and go with speed and car drivers might not even see it.

When the bicycle

12. Use your flashlight, even during the day for drivers have a better chance of seeing it.

13. Use the mirrors so that you know what is going on around you at all times.

14. A walk in the street with the other traffic, not on the sidewalk, traveling in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic, not against it.

15. Knowledge and use of signals hand. Be sure to give sufficient advance notice of when going for a ride. Then be sure to look over your shoulder to make sure your path is clear before making the actual change.

16. Be consistent and predictable for the drivers know what you're doing. Driving in a straight line. Do not deviate, weave in and out of traffic or parked cars, or doing anything irregular or sudden movement.

17. Obey traffic signs, signals and road markings and performance pedestrian – just like any other vehicle on the road.

18. Use your horn or buzzer if it crosses in front of another vehicle by which to signal audible, which is more likely to attract the attention of other motorists.

19. Make eye contact with drivers, if possible, so you know that you see.

Defensive Driving

20. Watch for hazards such as potholes, puddles, loose gravel, auto parts, drainage grates, stones, sand or debris, parked cars opening their doors, stray animals, and other vehicles.

21. Walk to the left of the parking lane avoid hitting a car door opening unexpectedly in front of you.

22. At a red light, stop behind another car. Do not pull alongside the first car at traffic lights where you will be in the blind spot and the risk of being beaten if the car makes a right turn and the driver does not know it's there.

23. When you follow a vehicle moving slow, be patient. It might be preparing to make a turn. Do not try to run past or stands beside him in the driver's blind spot.

24. Always look back (above the shoulder) before making a detour to other vehicles, other bicycles and pedestrians.

25. Always look behind you (above the shoulder) before changing its position in the traffic lane as a vehicle might be preparing to come to your side or pass you.

26. Never deviate in and out of traffic or in and out of the parking lane. Maintaining stable placement in your lane.

27. Check everything! Even if you have the right of way, a car or other vehicle is much bigger than a bicycle for his own safety, you must be willing to compromise at all times.

28. Always drive, walk, and act as if other drivers can not see you! Put your safety first.

About the Author:

Everyone always says “I know what I need”, but there’s a cycling bikes
out there for every purpose! When considering your new purchase, you should first consider the type of riding you would do and where most of it will be done.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – 28 Tips For Cycling Safety

BMX Bikes : Bicycle Safety Equipment