Bicycle Safety

Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. Bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by 85 percent.
Select a helmet that fits snugly and sits flat on the head. For children, use the extra padding that comes
with the helmet to ensure a proper fit. this padding can be removed as the child's head grows.
Always Make sure Your Bicycle is Adjusted Properly.

Make sure you can stand over the top tube of your bicycle. Adjust your bicycle to fit you (see Owner's
Manual). Before using your bicycle, check to make sure all parts are secure and working well.
The handlebars should be firmly in place and turn easily. Your wheels must be straight and secure.
Add a carrier to the back of your bicycle if you need to carry things. Check Brakes Before Riding.

Always control your speed by using your brakes. If your bicycle has hand brakes, apply
the rear brake slightly before the front brake. Always keep your brakes adjusted. If you cannot stop
quickly, adjust your brakes. Ride slowly in wet weather and apply your brakes earlier - it takes more
distance to stop.

See and Be Seen.

Wear cloths that make you more visible. Always wear neon, florescent, or other bright colors when riding
Avoid Biking At Night.

It is far more dangerous to bicycle at night than during the day. Most bicycles are equipped for daylight use
and need to be adapted for nighttime use.

If you must ride at night do the following:
Ride with reflectors. Add the brightest lights you can find to the front and rear of your bicycle.
Wear retro-reflective clothing or material - not just white or florescent - especially on your ankles, wrists,
back, and helmet. Only ride in areas familiar to you. Brightly lit streets are best. always assume you are not
seen by a driver. Young children should
NEVER ride at night.

Stay Alert. Always Keep A Lookout for Obstacles in Your Path.

Stay alert at all times. Watch out for potholes, cracks, expansion joints, railroad tracks, wet leaves,
drainage grates, or anything that could make you fall. Before going around any object, scan ahead, and
behind you for a gab in traffic. Plan your move, signal your intentions, and then do what you planned. If
you are unsure, or lack the skill to handle an especially rough area, pull off to the right side of the road and
walk your bicycle around the rough area. Be especially careful in wet weather and when there could be
ice or frost in your path. Cross all railroad tracks at a 90 degree angle and proceed slowly.
Use special care on bridges.

- Go With The Flow. The Safe Way is
The RIGHT Way.

- Ride on the right side in a straight predictable path.

- Always go single file in the same direction as other vehicles

- Check for Traffic. Always Be Aware of The Traffic Around You.

Before you enter any street or intersection , check for traffic. Always look left-right-left, and walk your
bicycle into the street to begin your ride. If already in the street, always look behind you for a break in
traffic, then signal, before going left or right. Watch for left or right turning traffic. Learn Rules of The Road.
Obey Traffic Laws.

Bicycles are considered vehicles, bicyclists must obey the same rules as motorists.
Always signal your moves. Be courteous to pedestrians and other vehicle operators.
Don't Flip Over Your Bicycle. Wheels Should Be Securely Fastened.

If your bicycle has quick release wheels, make sure they are firmly closed at all times.
Use safety retainer if there is one. Check your wheels before you ride, after any fall or after
transporting your bicycle
Kingston Fire Department - 148 Main Street - Kingston NH 03848 - Phone 603-642-3626 - Fax 603-642-6307
Protect Your Head. Always Wear A Helmet.