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Bicycle Safety & Security Biking Safely Wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85%.   Wear clothes that make you more visible. Clothing should be light in color and close fitting to avoid being caught in the bicycle's moving parts. Books and other loose items should be secured to a properly installed carrier or carried in a backpack.   Obey the rules of the road, including all traffic signs, signals, and road markings.   Look both ways. 7 out of 10 car-bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Children should walk their bikes across busy streets and at corners or crosswalks.   Ride only in safe places such as parks, school grounds, bike trails, and sidewalks. Ride only in places with very little traffic. Children should ride with an adult.   When riding in a group, ride in single file.   Use extra caution when biking at night. Wear reflective clothing or materials (especially on ankles, wrists, back, and helmet), and ride in areas that are familiar and on streets that are brightly lighted. Ensure your bike has a headlight and front and rear reflectors.   Ride as close to the right edge of the road as possible.   Keep both hands on the handlebars. Bike Theft Prevention Protect bikes against theft. Bikes can be stolen from any place, but simple precautions can deter would-be thieves. Remember that most bikes that are stolen were not locked!   Always lock bikes securely, whether gone for a few minutes or a few hours. Use a U-lock, securing both wheels and the frame to a bike rack that makes it impossible to lift the bike off. For extra security, add a chain or cable with a good padlock.   Register your bike with the WC Police Department. Record the serial number and keep it in a safe place together with the sales receipt and a photograph of the bike.   Use Operation ID to mark the bicycle with an engraver. Visit these sites to learn more about bicycle safety: http://www.cdc.gov/safeusa/bike/bike.htm http://www.bikeleague.org/ http://www.helmets.org/