Cycling Safety and Health

2021 Safety Reminders

Why we ride With Traffic

A safety guide, suggested by Connor as part of a Boy Scout Project.

This describes where drivers are aware of cyclists. Source is the Florida Bicycle Association.
Do you find yourself riding in the Inattentional blindness zone?
Another reminder to be EXTRA careful at intersections!! Beware of 18 wheelers

Learn how to avoid the Right Hook

AHBC members are advocates for bicycle helmets. A good article to share with people you may know who do not wear one. PSA: Helmets Save Lives. I'm Proof and a bit more from the same incident Megan Sloan

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) has released its Bicycle Safety Quiz. We suggest all members may learn something from this quiz. Even if you know all the answers, it provides a good chance to think about safety. LMB Safety Quiz

While you are doing the LMB quiz, don't forget about the Ride Illinois Safety Quiz. Ride Illinois Safety Quiz

Check out Sheri Rosenbaum's website. She has an interesting video interview with an EMT if you encounter a cyclist who has crashed or are riding with someone who has crashed. One example: Bring your helmet with you to the hospital as it may provide clues about your head's involvement. Would You Know What to Do?

2020 Safety Reminders

Bicycle Lights and Safety Author: Don Ami

Helmet Usage Reduces Serious Head Injury Without Decreasing Concussion After Bicycle Riders Crash. Sep 17, 2020 Physicians Weekly.

1983-4 Edition of the National Child Safety Council - Official Bicycle Safety Manual.

Recently (March 2020) a member crashed. Their helmet cracked but their brains were not. SEE IT HERE.

Group Cycling in a Coronovirus environment Five Borough Bicycle Club

Cycling Side by Side Is it Safe?

Effect of High Visibility Clothing From Cycling Today.

Hey Drivers: Bike Lanes Don`t Cause Traffic Jams From Bicycling Magazine.

From the League of American Bicyclists --- Visit LAB at for videos and tips on riding safely and to find a Smart Cycling Class near you.

Some interesting facts about cycling fatalities. California centric but points out the impact of ride sharing services, SUVs, and mid-block collisions due to speed. Bike Fatalities Are On The Rise

Dan Wiessner writes: "Bob Mionske is a well known attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents. He wrote three excellent articles over the past few months on helmet laws that are well worth reading."
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

2019 Safety Reminders

It takes more than a strip of paint to keep cyclists safe. Strip of Paint Painted bike lanes decreases the space that drivers give cyclists when passing compared to no painted bike lanes. You may not be safer in a painted bike lane compared to no bike lane.

The proper way to change lanes in a group is from back to front, not from front to back. Changing Lanes

AHBC does require all riders to wear a helmet during club events. While wearing a helmet is not a guarantee of safety, it may tip the odds in your favor when that day comes and you crash. We've all heard the saying: "There are two kinds of cyclists: those that have crashed and those that have not crashed yet." There is a lot of content on the internet about helmets. This site was recommended by Jala, a student who found AHBC website safety page and who wants all cyclists to be safe. Is a helmet worth it?

Tips for Tracking Down Your Bike in Chicago if it has been Stolen. We all dred this happening to us and its good to have a plan just in case. WBEZ

Traffic fatalities are down in the U.S., but more pedestrians and bicyclists are being killed, officials say. Nearly 36,600 people died on U.S. roadways last year, a decrease of 2.4 percent from 2017 Washington Post

2018 Safety Reminders

Ride Illinois: Bicycle Safety Quiz a quiz for motorists, cyclists, and children on cycling safety. This will make you think about safety.
MapMyRun: Common Mistakes that Cyclists Need to Stop Doing
Humor: Share the Road
Accidents: 3 Worst Mistakes
Helmet Standards: Standards
Non Standard Helmets: Convicted
Bonking: Bonking Birds and Bees

Archived Tips from the Safety Chick

2009

Flats Happen--Be Prepared
Think Safety First