The Airdrie RCMP is reminding cyclists of the importance of wearing approved helmets, when riding a bicycle or travelling in a trailer pulled by a bike.
“Members in the detachment have seen a number of cyclists on the road without helmets, including children,” said Airdrie RCMP Cst. Francine Hennelly. “It is very important, from a safety perspective, to be wearing an approved bike helmet.”
Hennelly said wearing a helmet has been shown to reduce serious head injuries by 85 per cent.
She suggested wearing bright clothes and installing reflectors on your bike.
“This helps drivers to see you, and if they can see you, they are less likely to hit you,” Hennelly said. “Children are also encouraged to make sure nothing gets caught in the bike chains such as clothing. It is important to wear the correct shoes - running shoes - as sandals do not provide the same grip.”
Cyclists should avoid wearing headphones, always ride with their hands on the handles, always check for traffic in both directions, obey traffic control devices and ride single file.
When sharing pathways with other cyclists and pedestrians, Hennelly suggests cyclists have a bell on their bike to warn others they are passing. For more safety information and a list of approved helmets, visit www.saferoads.com
