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Employee Assistance Program → Shady Grove Health Tips → Bike Safety

Bike Safety

Each year, more than 500,000 people in the U.S. are treated in emergency departments and at least 700 people die as a result of bicycle-related injuries. Sixty million Americans bicycle for exercise or transportation.

Head Injuries

  • Crashes involving bicycles are a primary cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and nearly half of bike-related hospitalizations are diagnosed as (TBI).
  • A helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.

Cardio Exercise

  • Bicycling reduces your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and other chronic/life- threatening diseases.
  • It strengthens the immune system and helps relieve anxiety/depression.
  • Depending on body weight, metabolism and muscle mass, bicycling (10 mph) for one minute can burn from 6 to 14 calories.

Bicycle Safety

  • It is important to test the brakes before riding.
  • Make sure handlebars are straight.
  • Wear a helmet that fits your head (not too large or small). It is also important to wear it flat -- not tilted back at an angle.
  • Check the tires for cracking and make sure there is enough air in them.
  • Tighten loose fittings and lubricate the chain.
  • If the bike was in an accident, have it checked out before riding it again.

Sources

CDC-National Center for Injury Prevention, Pedestrian/Bicycle Information Center, National Safe Kids Campaign and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals . The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.