Summer bike safety with local fire chief
As cycling season rolls in, safety must be the top priority, especially for young cyclists.
Wearing a helmet is No. 1, says Chief Pat Neumann of Pincher Creek Emergency Services. Helmets should be in good condition, well fitting and properly strapped. Impact, sun and other factors can degrade a helmet’s condition, rendering it less effective.
Head injuries are common in bike accidents, since riders often fall from an awkward height onto a hard surface, and helmets help to prevent this.
“Proper footwear is another big one,” says Neumann, noting that flip-flops are not safe for biking and that riders should be sure to secure laces.
Bikes, skateboards and rollerblades should not be on sidewalks, and riders should be mindful of the rules of the road.
“We do see people get hit by bikes on sidewalks,” says Neumann.
To ensure cyclist safety, both riders and motorists must be very aware of their surroundings and share the road with caution.
“It’s just a matter of making sure that you’re paying attention to the people around you,” says Neumann.
Pincher Creek Emergency Services recently hosted a bike rodeo with Napi Friendship Association and Pincher Creek bylaw enforcement to ensure that kids were well equipped for summer riding.
Some priorities for the session were reminding kids of rules of the road, practising paying attention to surroundings, making sure the bikes were in good and safe condition, and ensuring helmets fit properly.
“Pay attention and have a good summer,” says Neumann.
Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Shootin' the Breeze
