Responding to you: Bikes are not toys

Biking for many, whether young or old, is an enjoyable recreational sport. And although it is often referred to as a toy, a bicycle is considered a vehicle, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administra-tion.

In 2007, 698 bicyclists also known as pedalcyclists were killed and an additional 44,000 were injured in traffic crashes. Among pedalcyclists, fatalities occur more frequently in urban areas -- 72 percent -- during June and Sep-tember at non-intersection locations between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m. During 2007, one-seventh of the pedalcy-clists killed in traffic crashes were children between the ages 5 and 15.

Since 1997, fatalities among bicyclists, ages 25 to 64, have increased significantly in proportion to all bicyclist deaths -- 64 percent in 2007 compared to 46 percent in 1997.

U.S. hospital emergency rooms report more bicycle related crashes than any other sport, with head and brain inju-ries being the most serious. During a crash, bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head and brain injuries by as much as 88 percent. Therefore, no matter the age, everyone should wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bike.

NHTSA suggest the following safety guidelines when riding a bike:

Check for properly working parts.

Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets.

Be observant.

Avoid hazards on the ground (toys, pebbles, potholes, etc.).

Never listen to audio headphones while biking; they obstruct your ability to hear and distract your focus from traffic.

Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

Ride in the same direction as traffic when cycling in the street.

Use proper hand signals to let other road users know your intentions.

Increase your visibility to drivers.

During the day, dawn or dusk, wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing.

At night use a front light, a red reflector, a flashing rear light, retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.

Drivers of motor vehicles need to be courteous and allow at least three feet clearance when passing.

Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.

Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.

"Through public education, motorists are becoming increasingly mindful of emergency vehicles when sharing the road," states Battalion Chief Jennie Collins, with Emergency Medical Services Operations, a section in the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. Send questions or com-ments to DFR Responding to You, 9250 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA 20110 or via e-mail to dfrresponding toyou@ pwcgov.org.