As a physician-investigator in pediatric critical care at Mass General for Children, Michael Flaherty, DO, is committed to providing the best care for injured children and conducting research to reduce the rates of pediatric injuries.

In collaboration with Dr. Flaherty, the Mass General Research Institute’s Summer Safety Awareness Campaign is geared toward sharing science-based strategies to reduce the risk of preventable injuries to children this summer.    

Our third series features safety tips relating to bike riding.

The fall is approaching fast, but we still have a few weeks of summertime left to enjoy, and nothing says summer like riding a bike.

With public transportation interrupted by the MBTA Orange Line shutdown, bike riding can be a great opportunity to commute while avoiding traffic jams and crowded subway cars.  

There are many ways to use a bike throughout the city – from the Blue Bikes of Boston to buying a used or new one, etc.

The most important part to remember when incorporating bike riding into your summer fun is simple: be safe and remember the three golden rules.  

The Three Golden Rules of Bike Safety

Wearing a helmet is undoubtedly the most important safety precaution when riding a bike, as it can protect you from concussions and other serious head injuries if you fall.

Dr. Flaherty was among the authors of a recent policy statement in the journal Pediatrics calling for new efforts to increase helmet use by children and youth participating in bicycling and other recreational sports.

According to the statement, helmet use significantly reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal head injuries, including severe traumatic brain injury and facial injuries.

Proper helmet fit is important to ensure maximum safety.

There are different stores that can help you find the right size helmet for you or your family. For those who are struggling financially, there are numerous outlets throughout Boston where you can pick up a free bike helmet and get assistance with fitting. Learn more about Boston’s bicycle helmet safety program.

Yes, biking alone at night and looking at the beautiful Charles River might seem like a great plan, but it’s safer to have company when you ride. If you aren’t able to ride with someone else, make sure someone knows where you are planning to ride and how long you expect to be gone for.

You can also look into GPS tracking devices such as the Find My Friends application or other external devices to keep friends and family members updated on your location.

Here are some additional safety tips for riding solo from We Love Cycling.

Whether a first-time biker or an experienced cyclist, you should always be aware of the external factors impacting your ride, such pedestrians, other bikers, and more importantly—cars!

Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and pay particular attention to your moves.

 Learning the appropriate hand signals should also be a priority. Before riding a bike, understand how to use these signals and practice them in a safe setting until you feel comfortable using them while riding.

Pay close attention when driving near parked cars. Some drivers or passengers may open their doors without realizing you are approaching on your bike. Whenever possible, keep a safe distance (a door’s length) between your bike and any parked cars.  

For additional resources on biking in Boston, including tips for driving safely in different weather conditions, smart ways to share the road, and short videos demonstrating bike safety, visit the city of Boston website. The site also has resources available in multiple languages.

About the Mass General Research Institute
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital is interwoven through more than 30 different departments, centers and institutes. Our research includes fundamental, lab-based science; clinical trials to test new drugs, devices and diagnostic tools; and community and population-based research to improve health outcomes across populations and eliminate disparities in care.
Support our Research