The Airdrie RCMP is reminding cyclists of the importance of wearing approved helmets, when riding a bicycle or travelling in a trailer pulled by a bike.
“Members in the detachment have seen a number of cyclists on the road without helmets, including children,” said Airdrie RCMP Cst. Francine Hennelly.
“It is very important, from a safety perspective, to be wearing an approved bike helmet.”
Hennelly said wearing a helmet has been shown to reduce serious head injuries by 85 per cent. According to the website www.saferoads.com, 39 per cent of deaths from cycling injuries occur in children under the age of 15. Even a low speed fall on a bicycle path can cause a serious head injury.
In 2002, the province-wide bicycle helmet law came into effect, making it mandatory for anyone under the age of 18 to wear an approved helmet.
The fine for not complying with this law is $69.
Parents can face the penalty if a child under the age of 16 is found riding without an approved bike helmet; young adults ages 16 and 17 who ride without an approved helmet are responsible to pay the fine.
Hennelly said although the law is geared towards children, she advises adults wear helmets as well.
“It is a great way to set an example for your children,” she said.
“If you want your children to wear a bike helmet, it is only fair if you wear one as well.”
Hennelly also suggested wearing bright clothes and installing reflectors on your bike.
“This helps drivers to see you, and if they can see you, they are less likely to hit you,” she said.
“Children are also encouraged to make sure nothing gets caught in the bike chains such as clothing or a backpack. It is important to wear the correct shoes - running shoes - as sandals do not provide the same grip.”
Hennelly said the vast majority of bike injuries do not involve cars. More than 100 Canadians die each year from bike injuries.
About 50,000 children are injured each year on bikes.
Cyclists should avoid wearing headphones, always ride with their hands on the handles, always check for traffic in both directions, obey traffic control devices and ride single file.
“When crossing intersections, people should walk their bikes,” said Hennelly.
“It is also useful to use hand signals as it helps cars to know what you are going to do.”
Hennelly also advised cyclists to ride far enough to the left to avoid being hit by the doors of parked cars.
When sharing pathways with other cyclists and pedestrians, Hennelly suggests cyclists have a bell on their bike to warn others they are passing.
For more safety information and a list of approved helmets, visit www.saferoads.com or call Alberta Bicycle Association at 403-453-8518 for times and locations of cycling skills and safety courses.
