Safety Tips - Huffy®

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Safety Tips

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Huffy's Top Ten.

1

Always wear a helmet. 

Even if you're just cruising the bike path or prowling the neighborhood. When shopping for a helmet, make sure it's designed for bicycling, and meets ANSI, Snell or CPSC standards. Be sure your helmet fits properly.

2

Always stop at the end of the driveway. 

Many crashes occur between a car and bike when kids don't stop at the end of their driveway to look for cars and simply shoot into traffic.

3

Always ride on the correct side of the road. 

In most countries, your bicycle is regarded as a vehicle when it's being ridden on the street. You should always ride with traffic, even if you're just going a short distance.

4

Obey traffic laws. 

Your bike is considered a vehicle, which means you have the same right to the road as a car. It also means you must obey traffic laws just like a car. Obey stop signs, stop lights, and learn to follow all traffic laws and signals.

5

Be predictable. 

Don't do anything that would surprise the driver of a car. Don't swerve, weave in and out of traffic, run stop signs or stoplights.

6

Signal when making a turn. 

It helps motorists if they know what to expect. Let them know where you're going by using proper hand signals for turning and stopping. Signal a left turn by holding your left arm straight out. A right turn is indicated by holding your left arm out, with your elbow bent 90 degrees, your hand pointed up, palm facing forward. You can indicate a stop with a similar arm signal only your hand will point down with the palm facing rearward. Before changing lanes, always look behind you to see that it's clear.

7

Be seen-be visible to traffic and other cyclists. 

Sometimes it's hard for drivers to see bicyclists because we're smaller than cars. Wear light-colored clothing when you ride and try to get a brightly-colored helmet so you'll be easier to spot. Do not ride at night. Have someone pick you up if you're out after dark or walk your bike home.

8

Don't ride too close to parked cars. 

Cars can still be dangerous when they're parked. The driver may suddenly open the door in your path or pull out suddenly. Leave at least three feet of distance when passing parked cars and be alert for cars that may be pulling out onto the roadway in front of you.

9

Yield the right-of-way. 

Cars have to slow down for pedestrians, and so do bicycle riders. Keep your speed down when riding on a path, trail or sidewalk where you share the path with walkers and joggers. Make sure other people know you're coming so they don't suddenly step into your path. Call out to them when you are approaching or passing them.

10

Don't clown around. 

Never hitch a ride on a moving vehicle. Do not perform stunts or wheelies on the road with cars or trucks. Never ride with more than one person on a bike, unless the bike has more than one seat.

Bonus Tip: Tire Pressure

BONUS TIP:

It's an excellent idea to learn how to change a tire. Knowing how to do it beforehand sure beats having to figure it out on the side of the road. Take a few minutes to learn how fix or change a flat. Carry a pump and spare tube on longer rides. You'll be glad you did!

> Next: Biking Skills Test

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