With the arrival of fall weather, it is an ideal time to zip up your jacket, strap on your helmet and go for a family bike ride. In addition to being a fun pastime, bicycling is a great cardio exercise to keep your heart healthy and burn calories, and it has been linked to increased longevity and improved mental health when done regularly.
But, as with any highly physical activity, there is a risk of injury, especially when riding with children and sharing the road with motor vehicles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children ages 5 to 14 and young adults ages 15 to 24 have the highest rates of non-fatal, bike-related injuries nationally. Young adults, as well as adults ages 45 and older, have the highest rate of bicycle deaths.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reports that 193 of the 241 bike-vehicle accidents documented in 2013 resulted in injury. The League of American Bicyclists also states Indianapolis has a bicycle crash rating higher than many other large cities.
According to the faculty of the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center at Eskenazi Health, bicycle accidents, especially those involving motor vehicles, often involve orthopedic injury to the arms and legs, including fractures, strains, dislocations, lacerations and abrasions, as well as possible abdominal or head traumas.
With the number of cyclists and the miles of bike lanes in Indianapolis growing, bike safety is crucial, and one of the most important ways to prevent injury when riding your bike — for both children and adults — is to wear a helmet. Research shows that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe brain injury from a bicycle accident.
In order to reap the protective benefits of a helmet, it must fit properly. A helmet should sit flat on the top of your head and fit snuggly. When buckled, only one or two fingers should fit between the chin and the helmet strap, and you should not be able to rock the helmet side to side. The helmet should rest on your forehead, approximately two fingers width above your eyebrows, and when you look up, you should be able to see it. The straps on the side of the head should make a “v” around each ear.
In addition to properly fitting gear, there are a few other tips to remember when riding your bike:
• Wear bright-colored clothing to be visible to motorists and other bike riders. Reflective gear is also useful.
• Ride on the right-hand side of the road or in the bike lane, traveling in the same direction as traffic. Children younger than 10 years old should ride on the sidewalk if possible.
• Obey all traffic laws and signs. Bicyclists have the same rules on the road as motor vehicles.
• Ride in a straight line when possible, and don’t swerve in and out of cars. Signal with your hands when turning.
• Don’t ride in the dark or at night, and avoid riding in the rain and snow.
By being aware, practicing common sense and preparing yourself with proper safety gear and knowledge, bicycling will remain a fun family activity. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, please call 911 immediately.
For more information on the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center, please visit EskenaziHealth.edu/SmithTrauma.
Nydia Nuñez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington