May is Bicycle Safety Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on bike safety tips, revisit helmet rules, and understand how to handle common cycling injuries.

Whether riding for fun, commuting around Oxford, or training for an event, bicycle safety starts before you ever hit the road.

At Oxford Urgent Care, we treat a variety of bike-related injuries—from sprains and road rash to more serious issues like head trauma and fractures.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and when it’s time to seek professional care after a fall or crash.

Why Bike Safety Matters

Cycling is excellent for your health and the environment, but accidents can happen, often without warning.

According to the CDC, over 130,000 bicyclists are injured in crashes annually in the U.S., with head injuries being the leading cause of serious outcomes.

While not every fall results in emergency care, many common cycling injuries benefit from urgent attention to prevent complications and support a safe, full recovery.

Essential Bike Safety Tips

Practicing these basic safety measures can reduce your risk of injury while riding:

Always wear a helmet that fits snugly and is properly secured.
Ride with traffic, not against it.
Use hand signals to communicate turns and stops.
Wear bright or reflective clothing and add lights to your bike for visibility.
Follow all traffic laws if riding on the road.
Avoid distractions like earbuds or texting while riding.
Maintain your bike with regular brake, tire, and chain checks.

These simple steps may help prevent collisions, falls, and avoidable injuries.

Helmet Safety: Your First Line of Defense

A properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 60%.

Even on short rides, a helmet protects you from impact injuries that can cause concussions, skull fractures, or brain trauma.

Helmet safety tips include:

Replace your helmet every 5 years or after any crash.
Make sure it sits level and doesn’t rock side to side.
The straps should form a “V” under your ears and fasten tightly under your chin.
Check for proper safety certifications (e.g., CPSC label).

Children and adults alike should wear helmets every time they ride. No exceptions.

Common Cycling Injuries

Not all bike injuries involve a crash. Here’s a breakdown of common injuries we treat:

Road rash is scrapes and cuts from sliding on pavement.
Sprains and strains are common in wrists, knees, and ankles after a fall.
Fractures from bike riding are most often in the clavicle (collarbone), wrist, or forearm.
Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more serious trauma.
Shoulder injuries often include rotator cuff damage from falls.
Knee pain is common due to overuse, improper seat height, or gear-shifting habits.

Even minor symptoms like swelling, bruising, or dizziness after a fall shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they worsen or don’t improve after rest.

When to Visit Oxford Urgent Care for a Bike Injury

We encourage you to seek care right away if you experience:

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or vision changes after a fall.
Swelling, bruising, or inability to move a joint.
Cuts that won’t stop bleeding or may need stitches.
Signs of infection like redness, warmth, or pus around a wound.
Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and ice.
Road rash that covers a large area or appears dirty.

At Oxford Urgent Care, we offer on-site X-rays, wound care, and expert evaluations to make sure your injury doesn’t slow you down longer than necessary.

For any severe or life-threatening injuries, including loss of consciousness or suspected head trauma, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Trusted Urgent Care for Bike-Related Injuries in Mississippi

Cycling should be safe, healthy, and fun. By following key safety tips and staying alert, you can prevent many common cycling injuries.

If your ride does end in a fall, crash, or unexpected pain, Oxford Urgent Care is here to help.

Our compassionate team offers walk-in care seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no appointment needed. Call 662-236-2232 or stop by today for prompt, professional treatment to help you heal and get back on the road with confidence.