Critical Days of Summer Week 8: Cycle safely! Published July 9, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. James Fountain 17th Training Wing Safety Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Bike riding is a popular summer activity. Whether you prefer a mountain bike or a road bike, the great outdoors is perfect for riding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one percent of all trips taken in the United States are by bicycle, but bicyclists face a higher risk of crash-related injury and deaths than occupants of motor vehicles do. Being in the Armed Forces does not make anyone immune from these dangers. On average, every eight days in San Angelo a pedestrian or bicyclist gets hit. Even with the dangers of riding a bike, individuals still have to assess the situation to prevent incidents. Following the laws will help tremendously! Don't know them? Here is the link to find applicable Texas bicycle laws: http://www.biketexas.org/es/infrastructure/texas-bicycle-laws. Some highlighted basics include: Bicyclists have the rights and duties of other vehicle operators. Yes, this means you have to stop at stop signs and red lights, but cars are required to yield right-of-way to a bicycle when appropriate, just as to any other vehicle. Ride near the curb and go in the same direction as other traffic. Saying "near the curb" is subjective, but we recommend leaving a cushion of about three feet. The law gives a cyclist the right to take the lane when necessary for safety. At least one hand must remain on the handlebars although two are safer. When signaling your direction use one hand, but when turning use two hands. Use hand and arm signals. Point the way you are going to let the other operators know what you are going to do. When bike riding, only one rider per saddle is allowed. Do not let your friends share your bike while riding unless you're both on a tandem. You may ride two abreast as long as you do not impede traffic. However, racing in an event such as a triathlon or taking the lane (which is when a bicyclist rides in the middle of a lane), are special cases where riders have to be cautious of their surroundings. You must have a white light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the rear when riding at night. The light is primarily so people can see you coming from the side, where their headlights do not shine on your reflectors. The law, effective as of Sept. 2001, states that a red light can replace a red reflector. Brakes which are capable of making the braked wheel skid are not to be tested while riding, especially downhill. To sum it all up, here are some quick tips to remember when cycling. 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 yourself before turning or changing lanes. 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. 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. 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. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Goodfellow Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Website, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the Website.
