MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- As the weather begins to lean toward summer, many service members and their families are dusting off their bikes to take part in one of the season's most popular activities -- bicycling.
To educate riders on the hazards associated with cycling, the National Bicycle Safety Network has designated May National Bicycle Safety Month.
During May, officials are educating riders on safe cycling. Before you head out to start pedaling away, keep in mind there are some things you need to do to keep yourself safe.
"The most important thing is to stay with the flow of traffic, on the right hand side of the road, and to ride in a single file line," said Gunnery Sgt. Daryl Harris, services chief, Provost Marshall's Office.
Along with following the rules of the road, cyclists need to keep their personal protection in mind.
"Wearing a helmet is very important and all cyclists are required to wear them while cycling on military installations," said Harris.
Failure to wear a helmet can result in a head injury after a fall, and according to the National Bicycle Safety Network, bicycle-related head injuries account for about 500 deaths per year, 17,000 hospitalizations, 153,000 emergency department visits and two-thirds of bicycle-related deaths.
A properly fitted helmet is also an important factor to staying safe. A quick helmet check can be done by looking in a mirror. Gently rotate the helmet on your head front to back, and side-to-side, paying attention to the skin in your eyebrow area. If the fit is comfortable, and the skin moves with the helmet, you have a proper fit. If not, your helmet is too loose and you need to readjust it.
Remember that a helmet cannot protect what it doesn't cover. If you are unsure about the proper fit, Harris recommends you head to your local PMO branch for a check.
Along with a properly fitted helmet, cyclists need to ensure their bikes are equipped with proper reflective devices on the wheels, front and back.
"Having reflectors on the front and back of your bike is a must," said Harris. "It's optional to add them on your spokes, but riders need to be especially careful when it's dark out."
Cycling at night increases your chance of crashing or being hit by a vehicle. To stay safe, make sure you are visible by wearing reflective clothing and adding lights to your bike.
Whether riding on Parris Island, Laurel Bay, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort or the Naval Hospital, bikers are required to wear helmets and obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
"Because it is a vehicle, you are subjected to the same traffic regulations as a car or truck and you can be given a violation the same way," said Harris.
For more information on bicycle safety, contact PMO at 228-2501.