Why May is the time to get serious about bike safety

The weather’s warming up, the bikes are coming out of the garage, and many of us are itching to log some miles.

But if you’re getting back on a bike after a long winter, give yourself a ride or two to shake the rust off before you push your limits.

Bike accidents climb sharply starting each spring, and with May designated as National Trauma Awareness Month, this is a good time to talk about staying upright.

When it’s a bike versus a car, the car wins every time. A cyclist has no airbags or crumple zones to absorb a hit, so the work of staying safe falls almost entirely on the rider and the driver paying attention. That’s not meant to scare you off the trail or the road. Rather, it should remind you that
small choices add up.

You’ve heard it a hundred times, but it’s worth repeating: wearing a helmet is non-negotiable.

Whether you’re cruising to a friend’s house on a spring afternoon or dropping into a mountain bike trail, wearing a helmet is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

Beyond that, the basics still apply. Make yourself visible with bright clothing or a flashing light (yes, even during the day), and know your route before you go. Always stay in control of your bike and assume drivers don’t see you until you’ve made eye contact.

Our emergency room sees a lot of preventable bike injuries this time of year. The good news is that “preventable” is the operative word. A helmet, awareness, and a willingness to slow down go a long way.

If something does happen, Idaho Falls Community Hospital has got you covered. But the goal is for you to spend the whole season out there, doing what you love, healthy and whole. So from your friendly emergency room crew at IFCH – please, wear that helmet.