Safe Bicycle Riding
Bicycles have been around for more than a century and their designs have varied greatly during that time. While styles, weight and colors have changed over the years, one thing has remained constant - a bicycle is only as safe as the rider makes it. Follow these rules to ensure that the helmet you wear fits properly and that the bike you ride is as safe as possible.
Bike laws
- Never ride with more than one person on a bike, unless the bike is designed for two or more people.
- At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars at all times.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Stay to the right side of the road.
- A helmet must be worn by anyone under the age of 18, as required by City of Bloomington Municipal Code 15.56.100.
- Display a white light on front of bike when riding at night.
- Display a reflector on the rear of the bike.
Be safe
- Obey all traffic signs and use hand signals.
- Ride with the flow of traffic.
- Wear bright colors to be visible to others.
- Do not allow straps or shoelaces to fly loose.
- Do not wear headphones.
- Watch for wet leaves, sand, rocks, cracks, puddles & glass.
Bike Helmets
- Bike helmets should be lightweight and comfortable. They greatly reduce the chance of a serious brain injury by protecting the skull if a fall should occur.
- Although the State of Indiana does not require helmet use, the City of Bloomington Municipal Code requires that a bicycle helmet is worn by persons under 18 years of age. This pertains to people operating a bicycle as well as passengers on a bicycle or bicycle trailer.
- Make sure that your helmet meets or exceeds safety standards. Look for a certification sticker from ASTM, Snell, ANSI or CPSC inside the helmet and/or on the box.
- Helmets should fit level, square and snug on the head.
- Adjust straps to meet just below the ear.
- Let your children pick out their own helmet to ensure that it will be worn at all times.
- Set a good example for your children - wear a helmet!
- Always replace any helmet that has been involved in an accident.
- Free bicycle helmets for income eligible families can be obtained through Bloomington Hospital's Community Heatlh Education Program. For families not meeting income eligibility requirements, the helmets are available for only $5.00. Please call 812-353-KIDS for more information.