Are you or your children taking your bike for a ride more often? Here are 5 safety tips for cyclists.

Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get exercise, see the sights, reduce your carbon footprint, and save gas!

But because you and your family often share the road with vehicles, it can be dangerous.

Here are some precautions you and your family can take to stay safe on the road and trails:

1. CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT

Always inspect your bike before you ride it. The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked into place. Make sure all parts are secure and working. Check that the tires are properly inflated. Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors. A horn or bell, a rearview mirror, and a bright headlight are also recommended.

2. USE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL

Make sure drivers can see you. Wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright clothing. Whenever possible, ride during the day. If you must travel at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights.

3. WEAR A HELMET

Everyone, adults and children, must wear appropriate bicycle helmets on every bike ride, regardless of the length of the ride. Verify that the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

FOLLOW THESE NHTSA guidelines for properly fitting a helmet.

4. FOLLOW THESE RULES ON THE ROAD

Drive single file in the direction of traffic. Stay alert, keep your head up, and look around you. Watch for car doors opening and other hazards. Use hand signals when turning and be very careful at intersections. Never get in cars. Before pulling into traffic, stop and look left, right, left again, and over your shoulder.

Want to know how bikeable your community is? NHTSA has a checklist HERE.

5. STAY AWAY FROM SIDEWALKS

Riding a bike on the sidewalk can be dangerous due to pedestrians and uneven pavement, according to
People powered movement. Instead, opt to ride dedicated bike lanes if they are available in your community.