Last Thursday, I left class early and like many students on campus, I unlocked my junky Schwinn (it amazes me why kids would spend so much money on a bike just to have it stolen).

I hopped on and coasted down Cramer. I approached Locust Street and as usual I stopped and looked both ways (I have that formula down pat). Locust was clear. As I crossed the road, a white Corolla sped down the street.

Before I had time to see my life flash before my eyes, I made a decision. I couldn’t back up and stopping was a death wish. I had to go forward. With every ounce of strength, I peddled. When my eyes opened, I laid sprawled out on the pavement.

Bicycle injuries are no joke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they account for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities and injuries. Luckily, I wasn’t included in that statistic. And lucky for you, Milwaukee is a relatively safe city in which to ride a bike.

Police reports involving bicycle accidents in this area are few and far between. Bad news for folks living in California, Florida, New York, and Texas: those four states accounted for 43 percent of bicycle deaths in 1999, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports. But regardless the state you live in, there are precautions any bicyclist can take to prevent his or her next ride from becoming an accident.

1. Wear a helmet. Yes, it looks dorky, and yes, they’re annoying. On the other hand, that plastic is the only material stopping your brain from meeting the pavement. Ninety-eight percent of bicycle fatalities occurred when the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports. Bell designs a variety of helmets starting at $29.99 (bellbikehelmets.com). Who says helmets need to be hideous?

2. Don’t Rush! We live in a society where time is of the essence. When riding a bike, these laws disappear. We take risks when we hurry, but we shouldn’t on a bike because of the lack of protection. The man that hit me was running late on his way to class. If he hadn’t been speeding, would he have still hit me? We can’t control the other drivers on the road, but you can help decrease your chances of being an accident victim by slowing down and focusing.

3. Use your cell. Not while riding, silly. Talking on a phone while riding a bike is one of the stupidest things someone can do, aside from unicycling with a blindfold on. But, we all pay big bucks to carry these things around, so take it along when you ride. Whether you are traveling five minutes to school or taking a 45-minute joyride, carrying a phone with you in case of emergencies is a must. Getting an under-the-seat pouch for your bike is a great investment if you’re biking for fun and don’t want to carry a backpack. Try arkel-od.com for seat bags, around $29.

4. Don’t listen to the iPod. Music is great, but listening to these gadgets while cycling or walking in the city is dangerous. They distract you when you should be fully aware of your surroundings.

5. Get that number. If you ever do get into an accident with a motor vehicle, get the license plate number. This will cover your butt legally in case they decide to leave the scene, or you want to sue. In my case, the driver stopped to see if I was okay, then he sped off. Plate numbers make it easier on the cops to locate the individual that hit you.

Riding a bike hasn’t been safe since speeding and blowing stop signs became common, but your hobby doesn’t have to die just because you live in the city. By taking these precautions, you can help decide your fate on the road. Bike safe.

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