Bicycle Safety Reminder

On May 15, 2012 at approximately 5:30 p.m., an accident near Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova between a motorist and a bicyclist sent the 14 year-old bicyclist to a hospital with serious injuries. Fortunately, the teen is expected to survive. As the school year comes to an end, and young people are spending more time riding around throughout the day, the Rancho Cordova Police Department would like to remind everyone of some important bicycle safety tips:

            ALWAYS wear helmets while riding. Studies have shown that using a bicycle
            helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85 percent. Helmets should have a
            snug, yet comfortable fit.

            Make sure children wear proper clothing – light in color to be more visible, and
            close-fitting to avoid being caught in the bicycle’s moving parts. Also, make sure
            loose items traveled with are kept in a backpack, rather than held.

            OBEY ALL RULES OF THE ROAD. These include stop and yield signs, signals,
            and road markings. Teach children to ride on the right side of the street, with the
            flow of traffic.

            Before entering a street or intersection, check for traffic and always look left-right-
            left. Walk the bike across busy streets at corners or crosswalks.

More information regarding bicycle safety can be found by going to www.ranchocordovapd.com/crime prevention/kids schools.cfm and clicking “The smart route to bicycle safety” under the child safety section.