Here’s how to stay out of harms way.

saysAlex Epstein, director of transportation safety at the National Safety Council.

A car weighs thousands of pounds.

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A bicycle weighs about 20.

Safety tips for bike riders

1.

And the best helmet to use is one that fits properly.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

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If its really tight getting on, its too small.

If its sliding around on your head, its too large.

Lastly, adjust the chin strap.

Woman doing hip exercises

If the helmet flies off in an impact, theres no point in wearing it, he says.

Do the ABC Quick Check before you jump on your bike.

A = AirMake sure your tires are fully inflated, says Orcutt.

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If the levers depress all the way to the handlebars, you need a brake adjustment.

Quick = Quick-release leversBikes sometimes have quick-release lever that make taking off your seat and your wheels super easy.

Orcutt says you want to confirm theyre secure prior to beginning riding.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

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Ride with traffic

Ride with the direction of traffic, not against it, says Orcutt.

with a friendly word, he says.

Dont startle people with close passes or other maneuvers in too tight a space.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

Safety tips for drivers sharing the road with bicyclists

1.

In some states bicycles are granted rights of motorists to take space in a traffic lane.

That forces your head to look over your shoulder.

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Thats the safest way for you and everybody else on the roadway.

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