Cyclists are at the mercy of drivers when riding along with traffic, having no chance if a car makes an unexpected turn, suddenly changes lanes or cuts across the biker’s path without any warning. Bikers can also be injured if cars door suddenly opens or an oblivious pedestrian cuts off the biker.

Here are some safety tips to help riders be more visible to drivers and to avoid deadly traffic accidents:

· Always wear a helmet, and make sure it is worn correctly

· Ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road, not against it

· If you’re over 10 years old, you shouldn’t be riding on the sidewalk. You’re not readily visible to drivers if you’re trying to cross the street. Check with your local municipalities for laws about sidewalk use – you may be breaking the law if you’re riding on the sidewalk

· Obey all traffic signals and be alert to motorists who may not be doing the same

· Learn and use hand signals to alert motorists of your intention to turn. Find out if your community legally requires you to use hand signals

· Make yourself visible by wearing bright colors

· Have the right clothing in case of weather changes

· Always keep both hands on the bike ready to brake

· Do not pass on the right

· Be cautious of pedestrians, dogs on leashes and other bicyclists when riding on bike paths

· Avoid riding your bike during a storm

· At night or dusk, use a bike light in the front and back of your bike

· Be sure to have reflective material on your clothes and shoes when biking at night

Over 700 bicyclists are killed and 45,000 injured in traffic accidents every year. As gas prices rise so do the number of commuting bicyclists. Bikers make up 13 percent of non-motorist traffic and the numbers keep rising.

The primary causes of bicycle accidents are:

· Reckless motorists

· Hazardous road conditions, such as: Potholes, Sand and gravel, Construction

· Poor weather conditions

· Unsafe, defective or negligently maintained cycling equipment, such as: Bent wheel, Broken chain, Defective helmet, Locked shoes don’t release