NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFERS TIPS FOR BICYCLE SAFETY

With spring already here and the continued popularity of bicycling for millions of adults in the U.S., more bicycles will be on the nation's roads and pathways. While many acknowledge the need to teach children about bicycle safety, many adults who bicycle could use a safety check as well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more adults are killed or injured in motor vehicle related bicycle crashes than kids, and this number has been on the increase. Today's adult's ride bicycles for transportation, exercise, to reduce their carbon footprint, to save money, and for the sheer enjoyment they experience while bicycling. Unfortunately, many adults fail to wear a helmet, use other safety equipment, or to observe the rules of the road. These actions increase their risk of being seriously injured if a crash occurs while riding their bicycle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and its partners offer the following tips.

    Riders of all ages should:

    * Wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride.
    * Check their bicycle for safety - use the ABC Quick Check
    o Air - check air pressure in tires
    o Brakes - check brakes to make sure they work
    o Chain - check to see if tight and oiled

* Learn and follow the rules of the road; among the most important is always ride in the same direction as traffic.

* Be seen by other road users.. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials on your body or equipment at night. States require the use of a white front light and a red rear reflector or light. .

To learn more about bicycle safety, visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Other helpful websites include www.bikeleague.org and http://www.bicyclinginfo.org.

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NEWS: Adults Continue To Be the Highest Percentage of Bicycle Fatalities and Injuries

FORMAT: B-roll and Soundbites

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, contact information and more available at: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/broadcast/38212/press.html

    SOUNDBITES:
    * Diane Wigle, Chief, Safety Countermeasures Division, National Highway
      Traffic Safety Administration
    * Mark Plotz, National Center for Bicycling and Walking
    * Jim Sebastian, District of Department of Transportation
    * Eric Gilliland, Board Member, Alliance for Biking and Walking
    * Eve Decorsi, Certified Bicycle Education Instructor
    * Rhonda Markos, Traffic Safety Specialist, AAA National Office
    * Cyclists

    B-ROLL INCLUDES:
    * Cyclists on their way to work
    * Recreational Cyclists

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Contact: FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: MultiVu Media Relations, 1-800-653-5313 EXT. 3

SOURCE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration