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.
To enjoy every bicycle trip, riders must know their surroundings, have the proper skills and properly dressed. Cyclists must track multiple objects simultaneously while riding including surrounding vehicular traffic, parked vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Road safety skills are critical to help prevent serious accidents and injury on the road. Most importantly, your bicycle must be road worthy and in good condition and you should be wearing the right equipment. - Check the brakes, tires and steering each time you ride your bike; - Check the chain and gears for loose nuts or damage once a month; - Wear an approved bicycle helmet. This can help reduce the risk of head injury up to 85 per cent in the event of a crash. Since most serious injuries and deaths are caused by head injuries, a bicycle helmet should be worn on every ride. But even a good helmet won't help if it isn't properly fitted. Helmets must fit properly in order to work effectively. The helmet should sit level on the head and be two-finger widths above the eyebrow; - The side straps should lie flat and meet in a V-shape under each ear; - The chinstrap should fit snug under the chin. When the mouth is closed you should be able to fit only one finger between the chin and strap; - Test the fit. Shake your head with the helmet un-strapped. The helmet should stay in place. If the helmet moves, insert foam padding (fitting pads come with the helmet). Be seen - Cyclists who stand out are safer. Wear something fluorescent by day and reflective by night; - If you are going out after dark, make sure that you have lights that work Ð white for the front and red for the back. Make space not contact - Cyclists need space. Make sure you know what's around you on the road; - Help drivers to help you - look and hand signal before you start, turn or stop; - Take care when crossing roads Ð even quiet roads can be hazardous because of occasional fast traffic; - Always be on the lookout for car doors being opened by motorists; - Avoid open cracks in the road and loose gravel. If you are injured while cycling, consult a health care professional. Physiotherapists are regulated health care professionals who have the knowledge and skills to help relieve pain, increase mobility, build strength, and improve balance and cardiovascular function. A physiotherapist will assess your injury and provide appropriate treatment to help get you back up to speed as well as give advice on how to prevent recurrence of injury. For more information on correct bike fit and physiotherapy, visit the Canadian Physiotherapy Association's web site www.physiotherapy.ca.
