No matter where you live, biking is a great way to get outdoors and be active. Whether it’s for pleasure, to exercise or for commuting purposes, biking has numerous physical and mental benefits β the key is to do it safely.
“Biking is a low-impact resistance exercise that is great for building muscles, improving coordination, and increasing mobility, but just like any physical activity, biking comes with risks. Bruises and minor cuts are usually the leading types of injuries involving bicycles, followed by fractures, concussions, muscle strains, and sprains. You can significantly lower that risk by taking safety precautions and following the rules of the road,” said Amy L. McIntosh, MD, FAAOS, orthopedic surgeon, Scottish Rite for Children, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
May is National Bicycle Safety Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder of the importance of bicycle safety all year long. The AAOS shares the following information about bicycle injury prevention and strategies for how you and your family can stay safe.
Common bicycle injuries
There were more than 325,000 preventable bike-related injuries in the U.S. in 2020, according to theΒ National Safety CouncilΒ (NSC). Bruises and minor cuts are usually the leading types of injuries involving bicycles, followed by fractures, muscle strains, and sprains. However, serious injuries, including death, do occur. According to the NSC, there were nearly 1,260 preventable bicycle-related deaths in 2020.
Helmet safety
No matter what your age or level of experience, you should wear a helmet every time you bike. Cuts, bruises, and even broken bones will heal, but damage to your brain can be permanent.Β
Read the complete American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons article: https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/expert-insight-and-essential-bike-safety-tips-every-cyclist-needs-to-know/