Tips from St. John Ambulance on Bicycle Safety
September 25, 2009 (Toronto, ON) – The fall is a wonderful time of year to bring out the bicycle, get some fresh air and explore the beauty of Ontario. Whether you’re riding down a nature trail or cycling through a busy city it is important to remember your bicycle safety. These tips from St. John Ambulance and Safe Canada will help you continue to enjoy safe cycling.
- Wear a Helmet: For children under 16 it’s the law and adults should continue the practice. Studies have shown wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries by 85%.
- Wear the Right Clothing: Full length shirts and pants can help reduce scrapes if you tumble. But make sure the clothes are snug; anything too loose can get caught in the bicycle’s moving parts and cause a fall.
- See and Be Seen: Day or night make sure you are visible by wearing neon or brightly coloured clothing, attach a tall day-glo flag to your bike (this is particularly important for child riders who may be too small to see), and equip your bicycle with both head and tail lights for night time.
- Know the Rules of the Road: A bicycle is a vehicle and must adhere to the rules of the road. Always signal your turn, yield to pedestrians and obey your traffic signs and signals.
- Stay off the Sidewalk: Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians, not vehicles, and high traffic areas can pose a risk for both cyclists and pedestrians.
- Be Predictable: Travel in a straight line, one metre out from the sidewalk.
- Stay Alert: Avoid headphones or anything that will distract you from your surroundings. Be aware, stay alert and stay safe.
- Be Prepared: Carry first aid supplies in case of an unexpected mishap.
For more bicycle safety tips or to learn how to choose the best helmet, visit
www.safecanada.ca.
For 125 years, St. John Ambulance has been training over 140,000 Ontarians annually in first aid and other health care related courses and remains dedicated to saving lives at work, home and play. With over 4,000 volunteers contributing over half a million hours of community service a year, St. John Ambulance is an integral part of the community offering such unique and innovative programs as; medical first response, disaster response, car seat clinics, health and safety related youth programs and therapy dog services. As a charitable, non-denominational, humanitarian organization, proceeds from St. John Ambulance’s first aid training and first aid product sales directly support these vital community services programs. For more information on St. John Ambulance training courses and volunteer opportunities or to contact your local branch, visit
www.sja.ca