A homeowners association provides a great neighborhood for people to be active, especially as the warm weather sets in and they can be outdoors for much of the day. It’s important to set bike safety rules so homeowners are as protected as possible while riding their bikes in the neighborhood.

Here are some bike safety tips for people of all ages to put into practice.

Learn how to fall

Learning how to ride correctly is only part of what keeps a person safe. Falls are inevitable, and knowing how to fall correctly will prevent many serious injuries. Protect yourself as much as possible by learning to roll on impact, relax your body, and try to land on the padded and fleshiest parts of you body.

Set boundaries in the homeowners association

Make sure homeowners know where they can and can’t ride in the neighborhood. Maybe there are some private roads in the association, construction sites that people need to steer clear of, or fun neighborhood biking trails to explore. This will also help homeowners from getting lost or encountering things they are unfamiliar with, like a busy intersection or private property.

Check equipment

Check bikes, scooters or roller skates for cracks or dents, sharp metal parts, jutting edges and slippery surfaces. Replace defective equipment, consult a professional for repairs and apply self-adhesive, non-slip material to slippery surfaces.

Wear protective equipment

This is one of the most important safety rules for homeowners because it can literally save a life. Scooters, roller blades, bikes and similar equipment cause thousands of injuries—and even some deaths—every year. Emphasize to homeowners the importance of  wearing helmets, knee pads and elbow pads, especially if they are just learning or haven't been on a bike in awhile. Buy a helmet that fits correctly and you know is safe. It’s worth the extra money if you're more likely to wear it.

Remember the consequences

For example, "one person to each piece of equipment” or "you break it, you buy it.” In many communities, it's the law to wear a helmet, and you really don't want to get a citation for failing to do something so simple. Also, be sure to practice safety signals and be aware of your surroundings - you never know if a driver, other biker or pedestrian is paying full attention or not.

Most importantly, make sure homeowners know these bike safety rules are put in place so that they can live in a fun, safe homeowners association community where they can be active and enjoy outdoor activities.