May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is urging cyclists and parents to practice safe cycling habits. Cycling is a great way to spend some time outdoors, stay in shape and get around your community, but it certainly comes with some risks. According to the Lake County News, fatal bicycle accidents in California have remained at a flat rate the last two years, but injuries have increased 4.6 percent.

“Bike Month is a great occasion for Californians, whether out with friends or family or on their own, to strap on a helmet, hop on a bike, and see just how fun and welcoming our streets and bike paths have become,” said OTS Director Christopher Murphy. “Californians now see biking as a real transportation option. The key is to ensure that biking is safe for everyone.”

So be sure to follow all bicycle safety laws and wear a bicycle helmet, not only throughout May, but all the time. Instilling these safe habits in children at a young age will help them to say safe throughout the years—safety will become second nature to them. Young children should never ride unsupervised ,and remember to have multiple lights and reflectors on your bike when riding at night or in the early morning. For details of the California legal requirements for cycling at night, please click here.

Dudek Law Firm, APC—San Diego bicycle accident attorney.