Health & Wellness

Summer Safety: Bike smart to prevent injury

July 27, 2022

Cycling is a great summer activity, whether you're enjoying a casual ride, cross-country expedition or some fast-paced downhill action. But bike riding also comes with the risk of injury. Stay safe on your bike this summer by following the safety tips outlined below.

Check your gear

Conduct the following checks before cycling:

⛑ Helmet Check: Your helmet should sit level on your head (not tilted back) with the front edge one inch or less above your eyebrows. It should fit snugly and meet safety standards.

🛑 Brake Check: Make sure the brakes on your bicycle are adjusted properly, with the brake pads and cables in good condition.

👕 Outfit Check: Always bike in close-toed shoes and wear proper socks, gloves, and padding. Moisture-wicking clothing on warm days is a good choice. Don’t wear anything that could get stuck in your bike chain or gears (baggy pants, backpack straps, shoelaces).

Know the rules of the road

When biking, it’s important to always follow the rules of the road. Bike in the same direction as traffic, stay on the right side of the road, and use designated bike lanes when possible. Be sure to use hand signals and shoulder check before making any turns.

Jenny Green, a team leader with Interior Health's Healthy Communities team, says that motorists also have a role to play in cyclist safety.

"Keeping cyclists safe starts with a safe environment," she says. "Reduce your speed while driving. In any situation where motor vehicles share the road with vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, drivers should keep their speed to 30 km/h. A pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 50 km/h is five times more likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck at 30 km/h."

A healthy community promotes safe and accessible options for being active for all ages and abilities while enhancing active transportation opportunities for walking and cycling.

Learn more about road safety and cycling

Be alert & visible while cycling

As you're cycling, make sure that you:

🚨 Use reflectors, headlamps, and bright clothing so others can see you

🙅🏾 Avoid using headphones as the music might distract you

👀 Continuously scan the trail or road ahead

🚶🏼  Always walk your bike through a crosswalk

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

View All Stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Foundation spotlight series: South Cariboo Health Foundation

SCHF supports 100 Mile House & District General Hospital and health facilities, health projects, and the well-being of health-care providers & patients.

/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-south-cariboo-health-foundation

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Lillooet Secondary students get head start in health-care careers

Thanks to a collaboration between Lillooet Hospital and School District 74, several local Lillooet students got a closer look into health care as a profession.

/stories/lillooet-secondary-students-get-head-start-health-care-careers

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Communications consultant learns and grows every day

Nida has long felt called to pursue a communications position in health care. Today, she’s honoured and feels extremely thankful to be living her dream.

/stories/we-are-ih-communications-consultant-learns-and-grows-every-day

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
New alcohol screening questions in EDs connect patients & care

A new program in IH emergencies invites patients to share information about their relationship to alcohol, normalizing conversations and creating a safe space.

/stories/new-alcohol-screening-questions-eds-connect-patients-care

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Indigenous Engagement lead values holding space

Connect with Jade Chaboyer-Kondra to learn more about what inspires her, meaningful experiences she’s had throughout her career, and her life outside of work.

/stories/we-are-ih-indigenous-engagement-lead-values-holding-space

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Get help with alcohol use in the privacy of your home

If you're uncomfortable with your relationship to alcohol, we offer a detox program that's done from home. Learn more about outpatient withdrawal management.

/stories/get-help-alcohol-use-privacy-your-home

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

Sign Up
mail