Picture this: the sun is shining, there's not a cloud in the sky, and you just realized that your cable is out. What better time to dig out your bicycle from the basement and go for a ride? Maybe you'll take a spin around the park, hit a bike trail, or go visit your friends. Whatever your destination, bicycle safety is key.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 800 Americans die and more than 500,000 visit hospital emergency rooms because of bicycle-related injuries.

Read on to find out how you can be safe while cruising around on your wheels. It's as easy as, well, riding a bike.

Finding the Right Bike for You
Whether you choose a mountain bike for its rugged, chunky tires and cool suspension or a racing bike for its sleek design, one thing is for sure - you need to make sure it fits your body.

When sitting on the bike, you should be able to just about fully extend your legs to reach the pedals. And be sure there is about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 centimeters) of space between your body and the cross bar (or the top bar on boys' bikes when you are standing flat-footed on the ground straddling the cross bar) - you'll be thankful you have that space if you need to unexpectedly jump off the seat.

If you're still growing, you'll want to make sure that your bike's seat post and handlebars can be raised a bit to adjust to your new height.

Be a Helmet Head
Bicycle helmets are a matter of life and death - wearing one is not optional. This cannot be emphasized enough, and in many states it is the law. Your head should always be protected when you are biking. Remember that three out of four bike accidents involve an injury to the head, and a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for a person who doesn't wear one while riding.

Today's helmets are very lightweight and comfortable. You can decorate your helmet with fluorescent, reflective stickers or pick bright colors that are clearly visible to everyone on the road. Look for a helmet that is well-ventilated and fits snugly on your head. Prices for helmets range from about $20 in discount stores to $150 in some sporting and bicycle shops.

When buying a helmet, turn it over, and look inside for either a CPSC or Snell sticker. Only buy helmets that are approved by either of these two safety organizations. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards set by the United States government were introduced in 1999 and greatly improved the standards that bicycle helmets must meet. If your helmet was made before 1999 (look inside the helmet to see what year it was made), it should be replaced with a newer helmet that has one of these two safety standards stickers.

Make sure your helmet has the correct fit and adjustments - any bike store can help you adjust it. A helmet should:

• sit level and firmly, but comfortably, on your head and not be tilted forward, backward, or worn over a baseball cap
• have strong wide straps that fasten snugly under the chin - no more than a finger's width should be able to fit beneath the strap when it is fastened correctly
• be tight enough (with straps fastened) that sudden pulling or twisting does not cause the helmet to move around on your head
• always be fastened while you are riding

After taking a serious hit, helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock. If you ever have a significant fall and hit any surface hard with the helmet, immediately replace the helmet.

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