Wear a Helmet
Why? Because a helmet can prevent serious injury to your brain.
In Arizona, three cities-Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Yuma- and Pima County have mandatory helmet laws for persons riding a bicycle under the age of 18. Although helmets are not required by law statewide, most bicycle advocacy organizations and clubs agree bicyclists should wear helmets at all times.
A recent national study by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and Bell Sports found fewer than half (41 percent) of kids ages 5 to 14 wear helmets when participating in wheeled activities, and more than a third (35 percent) of children who use helmets wear them improperly.
Additional information on bicycle helmets and injury prevention:
About Bicycle Helmets
After a crash or impact to your helmet, get a new one right away.
Standards
Choose a helmet that meets current safety standards. Standards set minimum requirements and test important aspects of helmets such as impact performance, strap strength, and coverage. Since March 1999, U.S. bicycle helmets must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard. CPSC is the legal requirement; other standards are ASTM and Snell.
Fit
Make sure your helmet fits correctly! It should be level on your head, just above your eyebrows, not too far back exposing your forehead nor too far forward. Check the fit of your helmet by placing two fingers above your eyebrow; this is where the front of your helmet should rest. Your helmet should be snug, level, and stable. Don't use pads to make a large helmet fit. Use pads to customize the fit.
Straps
Adjust the side straps so the V (where side straps join) is under each ear. Buckle the strap tight enough under your chin so that it's snug when you open your mouth wide.
Replacement
After a crash or impact to your helmet, get a new one right away.
Signs
- Recognize common Signs for Bicycle Facilities
- or standards and listings of bicycle facility Regulatory Signs, Warning Signs, and Guide Signs, refer to MUTCD Part 9, Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities
Using Hand Signals
Persons riding a bicycle are responsible for letting others know when they're turning, stopping, or slowing down. Before signaling, you should scan for motorists, road conditions, pedestrians, etc.
