The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Since 1991, the Saskatchewan Coalition on Bicycle Safety, a provincial coalition composed of government, non-profit and community agencies, has been working to encourage safe cycling and prevent bicycle-related injuries among Saskatchewan cyclists. To accomplish this goal, the Coalition would like to take this opportunity to encourage support for safe cycling strategies. Cycling is an activity that provides recreation and transportation for many Saskatchewan people. Cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly activity but it is not without risks. Cycling-related injuries also exact an immeasurable toll in terms of pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life for those injured and their families. The good news is that these injuries are largely preventable: bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 per cent and cyclists can further reduce the risk of injury by practicing safe cycling behaviour and following the rules of the road. Every year, on average, in Saskatchewan bicycle collisions kill two and injure 194 cyclists. Cyclists can be less visible to motorists because a bicycle is a narrower vehicle. After a vehicle/cyclist collision, drivers will often report, ÒI didnÕt see themÓ or ÒI couldnÕt see themÓ. It is important to be seen and be heard while cycling to reduce your chances of being involved in a collision. Here are some tips to Be Seen and Be Heard: Wear brightly colored clothing or a safety vest so other people can see you Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing. Some places include the bike frame, wheels, pedals, helmets, and ankles Reflective bands on your wrists make your hand signals more visible If bicycling after dark or in bad weather, turn on your lights. A white light on the front of your bike and a flashing red light on the back increase your visibility Ride your bike on the right hand side of the road, where drivers expect you to be. This means they will see you more easily Stay visible. Ride either well ahead of or well behind vehicles Prevent putting yourself in a position where cars can cut you off when turning either left or right Have a bell on your bike to let pedestrians and other road and trail users know you are coming. A bell is legally required in some jurisdictions. By increasing your visibility, cyclists can make our streets safer for everyone, including themselves. For more information on Bicycle Safety Week contact Mildred Hill at Creighton Community School at 688-5138.
