More and more people ride bicycles to school and work, for exercise, and for all types of transportation needs.  With this increase of cyclists on roads, streets and paths, the importance of bicycle safety increases as well.  Many communities now have bike lanes on their roads, but traffic safety is only one aspect of a more complete bicycle safety picture.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have published guidelines for bicycle safety.  Their “10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety” are:

1. Protect your head, wear a helmet.
   A proper fitting helmet can reduce head injure by 85% if you follow these important steps.
   -  Only buy a helmet that complies with CPSC standards.
   -  Make sure it fits properly and is worn correctly with the strap securely fastened.
   -  Wear your helmet every time you ride your bike, even on short trips.
2. Make sure your bicycle fits you properly.
   You can check the owner’s manual for instructions on how to adjust your bicycle to your correct height.  You should be able to comfortably stand over the top tube of your bike.
3. Brake and safety check before riding.
   Brakes are so important for controlled riding and emergency stopping.  Check to see that your brakes are working correctly before you start your ride.  If your hand brake touches your handlebars they are not safe and need to be adjusted. Check the brake shoe pads for even wear. Also make sure your wheels are straight and securely fastened.
4. See and be seen.
   To help other cyclists, drivers and pedestrians to see you more easily, always wear bright colors.  Neon or fluorescent safety gear is great to make sure people can see you.
5. Avoid night riding.
   Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than daytime riding.  If you can avoid it, you should; if not, make sure you take the following precautions.
   -  Install CPSC approved reflectors on your bike.  Make sure they are permanently attached in a highly visible place.  If you add a carrier or anything else, ensure the reflector is not covered.
   -  Put a bright light on the front and on the back of your bicycle.
   -  Night riding requires more than bright colored clothing.  Wear reflective gear, especially on your ankles, wrists, back and helmet.
   -  Ride in brightly lit areas and ride defensively.  Assume drivers can not see you.
6. Stay alert, watch for things in your path.
   Use all the same precautions you would as a car driver. Stay focused on the road and watch for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, railroad tracks, or anything that could cause you to fall. Before going around any object, look in all directions, check your front and back, and signal to alert nearby drivers.
7. Go with the flow of traffic.
   Ride single file on the right side of the lane going with the flow of traffic.  This keeps you where most drivers can see you and helps avoid a car-bicycle accident.
8. Be aware of traffic around you.
   The same rules you use as a car driver apply here.  Carefully check the intersection before you enter the street. Always look both ways, in front and behind you, then signal and enter the road when clear.  About 70% of car-bicycle accidents occur at driveways or other intersections.  Be aware.
9. Obey traffic laws.
   Bicycles are vehicles and cyclists are covered by the same rules as motorists.  Follow all traffic signals, signs, and rules for operating a car.   Always signal, be courteous, and stay aware.  Your safety depends on it.
10. Secure your wheels
    Make this a part of your equipment check each time before you ride or after a fall. Make sure your quick release wheels are firmly closed.  Learn about your bicycle and take good care of the equipment.

The leaves are turning those magnificent bright colors, the night sky is clear, days are warm and sunny and the smell of a camp fire calls to you.  Now that fall is here and kids are back in school, it’s a great time to get in a few more camping trips before winter arrives.  Create a weekend full of fun and good memories and make sure it doesn’t include an avoidable dog bite.Whether you are hiking, biking, swimming, or just relaxing by a campfire vacations are great for the entire family.  Take a few simple precautions to make sure they are fun and relaxing for your entire family, including your dog.It’s really important to listen to your dog when it’s stressed, the same way you do with your children.
Crowded campgrounds filled with noisy kids running and playing and riding bikes can be a great time for all, but may make some dogs nervous.  One of the most common reasons that dogs bite is when they feel nervous or uneasy.

First step — learn what your dog is telling you and help your dog be a good citizen.

1. Watch for signs of stress in your dog.  If they hold their ears down, or put their tail between their legs, start yawning, growling, or give you that “please save me” look, help them!  These are all ways that dogs tell us they have had enough of whatever is happening to them, and a bite could be next if we don’t listen. It may be too much noise, too many people, or just too much attention.  Give them a quite space, a time out, a place to relax.
2. Carry a first aid kit with items for you, your children, and your dog. Make sure it includes items for dog bite injuries.
3. Don’t do too much.  Dogs love to join you on hikes and swims, but if they are not used to all these activities, they will get stiff and sore.  Dogs, like people, when they are in pain will be irritable and may snap.
4. Have healthy snacks, not junk food.  Giving treats to dogs is fun, but a sick dog can be an aggressive dog.
5. Always keep your dog on a leash when you are in a campground.

Next step — protect your children from other dogs

1. Teach your kids good safety rules. Remind them that the same rules you have at home with your own dog apply to all other dogs.  If you don’t have a family dog, teach your children the basics of preventing dog bite injuries: don’t tease a dog, don’t approach a dog when it‘s eating or sleeping ,and no playing rough.
2. While camping, your kids should ask before going to another campsite with a dog.
3. Always ask permission to pet any dog.
4. If you see a dog in a car or one that is tied, leave it alone!. Dogs will protect their space so respect their campsite, tent, RV, sleeping area, or car.
5. If you meet a dog while it’s off leash stand still, stand like a tree.  Be still and wait patiently.  Remember to ask the person if it’s okay to pet the dog.

Any dog can bite, especially if it’s injured or fearful. Teaching your kids how to recognize a dog’s body language and to approach a dog in a non-threatening manner will keep everyone safe and your camping trip healthy.