As cycling in the city is on the rise, experts are urging riders to buckle up their helmet before they ride.

Dr. Reed Caldwell, of NYU Langone Brooklyn, says helmets add protections around the skull and brain.

“If you crash without a helmet and hit your head, there is a chance for very serious injuries to the bones in your head,” Caldwell says. “As well as bleeding in your brain.”

The group Transportation Alternatives is calling on New York City to add more protected bike lanes. It says less than 10% of bike lanes are in the Bronx.

Communications Director for Transportation Alternatives Corey Epstein says New York City is seeing more people riding bikes over the bridge, which makes the need even greater.

“More people over bridges, more than pre-COVID,” Epstein says. “You’re seeing in Brooklyn, I think, like a 200% increase in people biking.”

The group want to see more lanes with barriers.

Those who don’t own a bike can rent a Citi Bike, and find one near them by downloading their app.

Neither of the women were hurt, but police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.