Ride the great outdoors: practice safe bicycling

  • Published
  • Air Force Safety Center
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  There were an estimated 556,660 bicycle injuries in 2012. This number is hard to ignore, and Team Moody is not exempt from these hazards.

Follow these five 'rules of the road' established by the American League of Bicyclists to stay safe:

1) Follow the Law:
Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are traveling.

2) Be Predictable:
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don't swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

3) Be Conspicuous:
Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don't ride on sidewalks.

4) Think Ahead:
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

5) Ride Ready:
Check that your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.

For more information on bicycling safety and the 2014 Critical Days of Summer, visit the Air Force Safety Center website at http://www.afsec.af.mil/criticaldaysofsummer/index.asp