May is National Bike Month

Wear your helmet and enjoy your bike ride with safety in mind

NEW CITY, NY, - It's National Bike Month! Did you know that in Rockland County, all cyclists, must wear a bike helmet, regardless of age? Wearing a helmet that fits right every time you ride is the single most effective way to prevent a head injury from a bicycle crash.

"Springtime is a great time to ride your bicycle throughout our County; however, more cyclists on the roads can lead to more injuries. We all must be focused and alert to the road conditions, traffic, other cyclists, and pedestrians around us to avoid crashes," said County Executive Day.

Besides wearing your helmet, follow these tips from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee to safely enjoy your bike ride:

Be Predictable!

• Ride your bicycle with traffic, not against it.
• Ride as close to the right side of the road as you safely can. Use the shoulder or the bike lane rather than the road whenever it is safe to do so.
• Use hand signals when about to make a turn and obey traffic signs and signals.
• Don't hang on to other vehicles.

Be Seen!

• Don't assume a driver has seen you. Establish eye contact or adjust your activity to make sure they are aware of your presence.
• Use a headlight and taillight when driving at night. Use front and rear reflectors, spoke reflectors, and pedal reflectors. Wear light-colored clothing and add reflective material to increase your visibility at night.
• Use your horn, bell, and/or voice to communicate your presence to other motorists sharing the road.

Be Careful!

• Whenever possible, avoid road construction, congested two-way streets, and complicated intersections.
• Keep your bicycle's tires, brakes, and safety equipment in good working order.
• Know your limitations and your bicycle's limitations.
• Look behind you and all around. The more you observe other vehicles and pedestrians around you, the safer you will be.

Be Smart!

• Avoid distractions. Don't bike and use a cell phone. If using a portable audio device, only one earphone can be worn while biking.

The Rockland County Department of Health is working with the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee to educate the community on traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety measures to keep you and your family safe. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2blhwdg or call the Health Department at (845) 364-2500. For more information about bicycle safety, visit https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/bicycle-and-wheel-sport-safety.