With summer in full swing, many of us are choosing to take out our bicycles as a healthy means of transportation. This week’s safety message provides tips you can use to ensure you can live to ride another day:

• Recognize the risks; Bicyclists must take extra precautions when they ride.
• Use your head, protect your noggin; cyclists must wear a helmet.
• Get acquainted with traffic laws; cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
• Know your bike’s capabilities.
• Ride single-file in the direction of traffic, and watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
• Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections.
• Never hitch onto cars.
• Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder.
• Wear bright clothing and ride during the day.
• If night riding can’t be avoided, wear reflective clothing.
• Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes.
• Also use a horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight.

Source: NSC (National Safety Council)