As temperatures rise, 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 are cycling safely.

Wear a helmet. A properly fitted bicycle helmet will protect your brain and save your life.

Know your bike’s capabilities.

• Adjust your bicycle to fit by standing over your bicycle to ensure everything is the right height and is comfortable for you.
• Check your equipment.
• Inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.
• Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes.
• A horn or bell and a rear-view mirror, as well as a bright headlight.

Know the traffic laws.

• Obey all traffic laws. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Be predictable. Ride in a straight line. Signal your moves to others.
• Stay alert at all times. Use your eyes AND ears. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.
• Look before turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left-or-right-turning traffic.
• Stop at corners to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.

See and be seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others.

• Wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night.
• Wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights.