Bikes
Safety
Safety first! Generally speaking, bikes and their relatives are safer than traveling by vehicle, as speeds are slower, and weights are lower. However all that goes away when riding with or through traffic. This section focuses on some basics of safety.
Helmets On!
Helmets save lives! Even if you think you are a "good rider", that doesn't protect you from dangerous drivers who don't follow road laws or unexpected situations such as icy roads.
If you feel uncomfortable about buying plastic products, consider supporting ocean cleanups buy buying helmets made from ocean-harvested plastic.
Learn Your Region's Hand Signals!
Hand signals vary from country to country, so make sure you know your local signals, and learn foreign safety signs or signals any time you expect to cycle abroad.
Bright At Night
Lights and reflective equipment can boost your visibility, but wearing bright, visible clothing can also help. Always try to avoid wearing black or other dark clothes if you think you'll be cycling near or after dark.
Studies have found riders massively over-estimate how visible they are by many yards or meters, while vehicles only tend to notice riders when they are a few feet away from the head lights.
Cycling Devices
Bakfiets
This is essentially a specific design of Cargo Bike
Bicycles
Bike Trailers
Pro: These are a great way to bring young kids along on a ride, even if they are too heavy for a seat attached to the bike itself. Kids get a great view of their neighborhood, and the seat is low enough that (once old enough) they can climb in themselves. The cover can protect children, pets, shopping, tools, or other cargo from rain and other unpleasant elements. The cover can also reduce road pollution reaching the child.
Con: Children closer to the road can end up breathing more pollutants than parents or kids higher on the bike (scientists were surprised to learn that kids in cars are also exposed to road pollution while waiting in traffic).
Solution: Try to ride on low-traffic roads, or better yet, away from roadways; for example along bike trails and in greenways or greenbelts. Traveling with the hood down and secure may also help protect children's lungs.
Cargo Bikes & Trikes
Bicycle Sidecars, & Wheelchair Tandem Bikes
These are great options for a competent cyclist to transport children, elderly people, people with limited mobility, or those who otherwise might not be able to enjoy cycling.
Organizations
North America
Canada
Parachute is Canada's national charity dedicated to injury prevention.
USA
Bike Law Network "We are a network of independent bicycle crash lawyers who share a common approach to the law and to helping cyclists. Our bike crash attorneys have handled thousands of personal injury cases on behalf of cyclists. We know the difference between a bicycle accident and bicycle crash, and why it matters. Our goal is to be bicycle advocates as well as legal advocates, and to pursue cycling justice."
