Pre-ride:
Check your bike — Remember to check your bike and make sure it is in safe condition. Are the tires properly inflated? Does the chain have the right amount of tension to keep it from coming off? If your bike has hand brakes, how well do they function?
Check your helmet — If you have been in a crash, if you see cracks in the surface, or if the webbing and/or straps are not in good condition, you should replace your helmet. Most helmet manufacturers suggest replacing helmets every five years, which may or may not be necessary, depending on when your helmet was made and the condition it is in.
Check your clothing — Loose clothes, untied shoelaces,
and dangling items are an invitation for a crash, as they can become easily tangled in the wheels, chain, and crank of the bike. Be sure to check that there is nothing hanging that can get caught as you ride. Consider wearing bright colors that will allow motorists to easily see you.
The ride:
Go with the flow — Michigan law requires you ride with the flow of traffic, not against it. Remember to obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markers, just as you would in an automobile. Remember to yield to cross-traffic when necessary. Ride far enough away from the curb that you are able to react to the unexpected, such as car doors opening and vehicles pulling out from driveways. Remember to watch for debris in the roadway, potholes, storm grates and wet leaves, all of which can make you crash.
With summer here in full force, everyone is hopefully outside and enjoying the sunny days. For those of you who are avid bike riders, whether for pleasure or as your source of transportation, here are a few safety and courtesy tips.
Use flashing lights and reflective materials — front and rear to make yourself more visible.
Be familiar with the rules in your jurisdiction — Know whether riding on the sidewalk is an available option. In Delhi Township, you may ride on the sidewalk if you wish. Remember to share the space with pedestrians. Alert them when you are passing them with a simple “Excuse me” or “Passing on your left.” Again, stay aware of and alert to your surroundings and watch for cars leaving driveways and other potential obstacles.
I hope we have offered some useful tips that will help to make your summer bike riding incident-free.
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office hopes you are having a safe and happy summer! As always, if you have
questions or concerns you can reach the
Delhi Officers at 517.694.0045. Suspicious
persons or activities can be reported by dialing 911.
Stay safe out there.