Bike riding is an activity all ages can enjoy, and families can take part in together. (ID 56112118 © Goodluz | Dreamstime.com)

By Martin Martinson

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As warmer weather approaches with summertime on the horizon, bicycle riding can serve as a fun pastime and a great way to stay active for many in the community.

However, before strapping on that helmet and pulling out of the driveway, it is important to remember some helpful tips to ensure both road and personal safety.

Cara Zukewich is the Child Injury Prevention program coordinator at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. She caught up with battlefordsNOW in support of provincial Bike Safety Week, to share some pointers to remember.

Wear a helmet, always

“Wear a helmet every ride, every time; even for a short ride,” Zukewich said. “Your helmet will protect your face and your head from injuries, from skull fractures to cuts and bruises. We don’t want to just plop that helmet on either; we want to make sure it fits properly.”

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She said a nice way to make sure a helmet is the right fit, is by using the ‘2V1 rule.’

To make sure a helmet fits properly, check that there are two finger spaces between your eyebrows and the helmet. The side strap should form a ‘V’ shape around the ear, and one finger should fit between the chin and the chinstrap. (Facebook/Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)

Dress accordingly

Wearing the proper attire with your helmet is also very important. More than just a style statement, Zukewich said clothing and footwear also play a critical role in staying safe while out for a spin.

“Wearing bright clothing so that others can easily see you is something really important when riding at night,” she said; adding for young children especially, keeping riding habits to daylight hours is best whenever possible.

When it comes to footwear, closed-toe shoes are also important to ensure full control on the pedals.

Know your signals

Pictured here are the basic arm signals to know when riding in a residential or highly populated area. (Facebook/Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)

Have fun

Taking the necessary steps to stay safe while riding will help make the bike riding experience an enjoyable one. Zukewich said bicycle riding is a great activity for the times, because it is an enjoyable activity for all ages that can be done either in solitude, or while adhering to the social distancing standards put forth by the province.

“Especially in this COVID-19 situation, it’s extremely important for us to be getting some movement and physical activity outside,” she said. “We can social distance while on our bikes as we don’t need to be close together so it’s a great activity that way, and it is just great for children’s overall health and development so we’d love to see people out and about bike riding.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1