Tips every parent should know about bicycle safety | CT Bicycle Laws

Tips every parent should know about bicycle safety.| Connecticut Bicycle Laws

The recent news of the tragic bike accident in Wilton Connecticut has driven us to continue to educate all bike riders how to safely ride.  Riding bikes is a great way to stay active and a great way for kids to spend countless hours adventuring with friends. 

In Connecticut the bicycle helmet law requires anyone under the age of sixteen to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. For those over the age of 16 helmets can prevent head injuries, the primary cause of death and disabling injuries resulting from cycling accidents. They also increase rider visibility.

Today there are lots of colors and styles to choose from. We highly recommend a bright color or white helmet. not only will it help reflect some of the suns heat, but it will help increase your visability.  Letting your children customize the apperance of there helmet can be a great way to get them to want to wear a helmet.  Your helmet should fit correctly and meet safety standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

for more info on helmets check out our blog :Tips & Tricks on How to Properly Fit Bike Helmets

The Conneticut state law names a Bicycle as a "device" and according to state law bicycles must follow all rules to the road.  The Law also states the cyclist must ride on the right of the road. Riding two wide is legal in Ct however while riding 2 wide the cyclist's must not impede the flow of traffic. 

For More Info On Riding With Traffic Click Here

Conneticut is a state with somewhat loose laws in regards to use of lights and reflectors. By law a cyclist who is riding anytime between dusk and dawn must have a working white headlight, as well as a white reflector on the front of the bicycle. Althought the law only requires a red reflector on the back of your bike, we highly recomened a high visablity flashing light. 

Do not weave from the sidewalk to the road, or make any other moves which may catch motorists by surprise. Also, do not weave through lanes of traffic or pass cars on the left as many drivers will not be expecting this and could hit you. 

Talk to your kids and find out where common hang out spots are. Using a map plan out a route that will avoid heavly traveled roads. Stick to back roads and road which have wide shoulders. After you figure out a route either ride the route together or drive the new route. Talk about road safety and point out dangerous intersections. The key to bicycle safety is education. 

Bringing your childs bike in for regular safety checks will help ensure that it is in good working condition. Having properly inflated tires and brakes in good working condition will ensure safe stopping.  

Here at Bike Barn of Wallingford we have created a unique program designed to create a safer cycling communtiy. Our "WE CARE " Program is a program developed by Wallingford Bike Barn to help us give back to the cycling community by offering the highest quality of service to anyone who enjoys the freedom of riding a bike, which is why we offer FREE Bicycle Safety Checks as well as FREE Bike Helmet Inspections to bike riders of all ages.

You can rest assured that your bike was serviced by well qualified, caring Bicycle technician who ensure your bike is ready to go anywhere your adventures take you.