Cycling safety makes for easy riders Published Aug. 24, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Jamie Neppl 82nd Training Wing Safety Office SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- About 100 people are killed each year and thousands are injured in bicycle collisions in Texas. More bicyclists are hitting the roads as gas prices skyrocket. Follow these simple guidelines to help avoid mishaps: For bicyclists: Always be seen. During the day wear clothes that will stand out. During hours of reduced visibility, wear some kind of reflective gear both on your body and on your bike. Always use a white lamp on the front and a red lamp on the rear of the bicycle during hours of darkness. Always wear a bicycle helmet. Wear it low on the forehead just above the eyebrows. The chinstrap should be firm but comfortable. Always replace your helmet when damaged. Always abide by all traffic laws. Use your hand signals and ride near the right-hand edge of the road with the flow of traffic. Always look out for vehicles. You can never predict what other people will do so be more alert and always take precautions. Never carry another person on your bicycle unless you have the appropriate equipment. An example would be a child carrier that attaches on the seat or a co-pilot taxi child seat. For Motorist: Remain alert at all times while out on the road. Refrain from anything that causes you to take your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road. Treat a bicyclist as you would any other vehicle and use appropriate signals as needed. Never predict the actions of others. Watch for their hand signals. Slow down around bicyclist and pedestrians. Just slowing down alone can minimize accidents. For further guidance reference Air force Instruction 31-204 and Sheppard Air Force Base Supplement 1, Section A3.