Londonderry Traileways is concerned with your safety while bicycling on our roads.  When cycling, please keep these safety reminders in mind:

• Bicycles are legal vehicles, and subject to the rules of the road!
• Wear a helmet!  - Helmets save lives!
• Ride WITH the traffic! - Cars come upon you too fast if you ride against them.
• Wear easy-to-see clothes!  Use lights! - Cars can't avoid you if they can't see you!
• Check your bike for safety! - Take your bike to the shop regularly.
• Check the brakes 
• Check the headset  (The bearing that holds the front fork) 
• Check the crank (The bearing that holds the crank {pedals}) 
• Check the chain 
• Check the wheel bearings 
• Check the tires 

Check the wheels for true (Wobble is bad)

Your most important safety equipment when riding: Bicycle Helmets 

• A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85%. 
• Head injury is involved in 75% of all bicycle crashes. 
• Head injury often leads to permanent brain damage and is the most common cause of bicycle related deaths.
• Helmets absorb crash energy, preventing many injuries and deaths.

Ways to Get Children to Wear a Bicycle Helmet

• Wear a helmet yourself! 
• Tell them why it is important to protect their heads. 
• Always have them wear it. (Most accidents occur within a few blocks of home) 
• Have them wear a helmet the first time they ride a bicycle. 
• Let your child help pick it out. 
• Encourage others to wear a bicycle helmet. 
• Explain that bicycles are not toys, but a first vehicle. 

After choosing the correct size helmet, you need to adjust the straps and pads to fit your head.  This adjustment is critical to your safety.  Some helmets make only certain straps adjustable.  This simplifies fitting, but a helmet can be fitted more precisely if you can adjust the length of all its straps.

• Adjust The Side Straps. Straps are usually made of nylon. Adjust the side straps so the helmet will stay in place.  Straps should be snug against the sides of your head.
• Adjust the Buckle Strap. The buckle strap should be snug beneath the chin, but not to the point that it causes discomfort or difficulty swallowing.  You should feel the strap against your skin, but be able to slide a finger under it.
• Select The Right Sizing Pads. Size you helmet to your head using the right combination of foam sizing pads.  Change and locate them as needed to make it snug without being uncomfortable.  To test the fit, shake your helmeted head from side to side.  When the pads are properly placed, the helmet will stay in place.
• Position The Helmet Correctly.  A common mistake is to wear the helmet tipped too far back.  It should be level front to rear and side to side.  To be sure your helmet is properly positioned, look in a mirror with your head slightly turned or have someone look at you with your helmet on.
• Double-Check The Fit Before Every Ride. Double-check the adjustment of your straps every time you wear your helmet.  If you care enough to buy and wear a helmet, make sure you get the most protection possible by ensuring a correct fit.