Providence Bridge Pedal offers summer safety tips and ideas to get in shape

July 17, 2008

Sunday, Aug. 10, 20,000 cyclists will gather in downtown Portland to ride in the Providence Bridge Pedal – the nation’s second largest community bicycling event. In its 13th year, Providence is proud to offer this unique, family-friendly opportunity to enjoy Portland’s bridges on bicycles.

A WELL-FITTING HELMET IS YOUR KEY TO SAFETY
A cyclist with a poor-fitting helmet or no helmet at all is at risk of serious head injuries. Providence experts can offer tips on how to make sure your helmet – and your child’s – fit properly. A bike helmet is meant to be worn with its front riding just above the eyebrow ridge. Adjust the straps so they fit snugly under your chin. Use pads, supplied by helmet manufacturers, to make the helmet fit snugly and keep it from sliding backward or over the forehead. Finally, look for the "CPSC" sticker to ensure that your helmet has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

BURN CALORIES – SAVE GAS MONEY
A bicycle is a healthy alternative to the current surge in gas prices. A 180-pound person pedaling at a moderate pace for just one hour can zap as many as 820 calories. From cycling to lifting weights, Providence has fitness experts who can help you create a fat-burning, muscle-building exercise plan designed to make you healthier.   

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Too much cycling in the sun and too few fluids can lead to heat exhaustion, or even worse – heat stroke. Heat stroke can be deadly if not treated properly. Providence experts can talk about the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do if it strikes you or someone you know.