MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Most think it's safer to ride on sidewalks than in the streets. The important thing when riding a bike is your safety. Carol Prahinski's bicycle knowledge left her with minor injuries during her accident at Michigan State University.

"I'm quite skilled on the bicycle, when I hit the groove I knew exactly what was happening and I know what I needed to do to try and recover," said Prahinski.

Majority of students on campus riding bikes don't wear a helmet. During her ride, Prahinski was wore a helmet and stressed the sad realities of not wearing one.

"Wear a helmet I know too many people who have been injured or killed while bicycling and the helmet is definitely a way to protect themselves."

A resource on MSU's campus for all things bike related is the MSU Bikes Service Center. The center is a university operated bike shop providing bicycle sales, repairs, rentals and safety to the community.

Tim Potter, MSU's Bike Center Sustainable Transportation Manager, is passionate about bike safety knowledge because he sees countless accidents on and off campus.

"They'll come in dragging their bike with a bent wheel, or some other problems that need to be fixed after having been in a crash so we get to engage and talk to a lot of people who've been in crashes and we also try to educate them," said Potter.

Bike safety is also being implemented in Meridian Township with the Complete Streets Policy. The policy coordinates a pedestrian-bicycle pathway plan with safe routes to school on current street designs.

"As we move forward and make changes on the roads in Meridian Township and the streets, we'll make accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians," said Meridian Township Treasurer, Julie Brixie.

When riding a bike here are some safety tips:

1. Stand out from your environment. Be seen with lights and bright clothing.

2. Pick a safe route. Do not ride on sidewalks. Even if there are no bike lanes, you have the legal right to ride on the road. Remember to stay visible and ride with flow of traffic.

3. Wear a helmet.