WASHINGTON, D.C. - As more and more cyclists take to the
roads, trails, and paths this summer, the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is releasing bicycle safety
tips.
Each year, there are about 900 bicycle-related deaths
in the United States and another half a million
bicycle-related injuries treated in hospital emergency
rooms. To reduce injuries, CPSC encourages riders of all
ages to use helmets. Studies have shown that using bicycle
helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 85 percent.
CPSC is developing a mandatory safety performance
standard for bicycle helmets.
This standard would include provisions for general
construction, labeling, peripheral vision, impact reduction,
and chin strap strength. In the meantime, CPSC is enforcing
interim standards and offering consumers the following
safety tips for buying and using bicycle helmets.
Buy a helmet that bears a label saying it meets the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z90.40
1984; the Snell Memorial Foundation standard B 90,B 90S,
N 94, or B 95; the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) standard F 1447 93 or F 1447 94; or the Canadian
Standards Association standard CAN/CSA D113.2 M89.
Wear the helmet flat atop your head. Do not wear the
helmet tilted back at an angle.
Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct
your field of vision.
Always wear the helmet with the chin strap firmly
buckled. Make sure the chin strap fits securely and that the buckle stays
fastened to provide impact protection. No combination of twisting or
pulling should remove the helmet from the head or loosen
the buckle on the strap.
Do not use a helmet after it has been involved in an
accident. Damage to the helmet may not be visible to an
untrained eye. Even very small cracks in the helmet may
greatly reduce a helmet's effectiveness in preventing
injury. Either destroy the helmet and get a new one or have
it inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer will tell
you if the helmet needs to be replaced.
Along with using safety equipment, rider actions and
reactions play a major role in contributing to injury-free
cycling enjoyment. CPSC is offering consumers these
additional safety tips to help ensure safe summer cycling.
Protect your head...Wear a helmet.
See and be seen...Wear bright fluorescent colors during
the day.
Avoid biking at night...If riding at night, equip your
bicycle with head and tail lights and wear reflective clothing.
Stay alert...Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
Go with the flow...Ride with traffic.
Check for traffic...Be aware of traffic around you.
Learn the rules of the road...Obey traffic laws.
Assure bicycle readiness...Is your bicycle properly
adjusted?
Check brakes before riding.
Check your wheels..."Quick release" wheels should be
securely fastened.
CPSC encourages consumers to access bicycle safety publications through
the internet at www.cpsc.gov.