Bicycling Is Great for You, Here's How to Do It Safely

Riding your bike is not only fun but also a great way to keep fit and explore your environment. However, it has a few hazards especially if you choose the wrong location. Safe bicycling requires that you pay attention to lots of things including the condition of your bicycle, the basic cycling requirements, and the condition of your trail or road. The following are a few tips to promote safety when riding your bicycle.

Ensure that your cycling equipment is always in good condition. An unroadworthy bike is unsafe and uncomfortable. It does not only ruin your general experience but also increases your likelihood of getting into an accident. Ensure that the brakes work and your tires have been inflated. Your chain should be free of debris.

When bicycling, avoid wearing flip-flops or high heels. Your shoes should be flat-soled and comfortable with a snugly fit. Avoid shoes with dangling pieces that can get caught in your spokes. Wear a reflective vest and bright clothing to make yourself visible to other road users. Add reflective tape or reflector lights to your backpack where possible.

Avoid tying clothes around your waist. If it comes loose, it can wrap around one of your wheels and throw you into the ground. According to trusted experts, 88% of cyclist brain injuries are avoidable. Wearing a helmet is essential when riding your bike. Helmets protect you from head injuries which can be fatal. They can protect you from harsh weather conditions and increase your visibility.

Eye protection is important as well. Bugs, dirt, and pebbles can get into your eyes making you uncomfortable and causing a temporary loss of vision. Bicycle-appropriate glasses will also protect you from the rays of the sun.

Maintain a visible lane positioning at all times. When riding in a group, ride a few feet away from each other. It makes you more visible to drivers. When riding on a busy road, being within your driver’s field of view does not always make you noticeable. You must be in a position that makes you relevant. Staying in the ‘motorcycle position’ makes it difficult to miss you.

When riding at night, ensure that you have the right lighting. Since bicycles are small, drivers may have trouble seeing you if you do not have the right lights. A front white light is a minimum requirement when riding at night. During the day, you may need a flashing front light to attract more attention.

Use hand signals when you are about to turn. They are especially important for left turns. Always give pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers enough warning of your presence. It is not only polite but also reduces the chances of getting into accidents.

Keep an eye on the road and remain aware of your environment at all times. This means watching for parked vehicles, drain covers, rough surfaces, puddles, and potholes. Being aware makes it possible to prepare for traffic lights, junctions, and roundabouts. You can anticipate potential issues and deal with them. These tips can also be applied when you decide to take a different off-road route altogether. Road awareness helps you avoid sudden maneuvers and swerves that can put other road users at risk.

Understand that other road users can do things that you do not expect. While you cannot control their actions, you can prepare for them. Keep an eye out for children playing by the roadside, negligent drivers, and stray animals. When you have identified someone that can cause a problem, stay on alert, and prepare to react appropriately.

If you plan on riding for a long distance, always bring a bottle of water and some snacks. Dehydration when riding can cause low blood pressure and hypovolemic shock. Always bring some snacks to maintain your energy levels. If you have low blood sugar after long hours of cycling, you may get a hypoglycemic attack. Choose simple snacks that can fit in your seat pack or back pockets.

When cycling, keep a safe distance from lorries especially if they are turning to the left. They may pose a significant danger to you as most of them have a blind spot. If you are cycling on the left of a lorry, the driver probably hasn’t seen you.

Do not undertake them unless it is necessary. When riding in a lane that is designated for taxis, buses, and cycles, the traffic in the outside lane may be slow. You may find yourself having to pass a lorry on its left side. You may also find yourself undertaking a lorry when it starts overtaking you but pulls up at the traffic lights. If you find yourself in such positions, try to make yourself visible and move from that position when possible. Do not assume that the lorry driver has seen you.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you may be curious about simple tips to enjoying riding your bike without compromising your safety. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do. They include remaining visible to other road users, packing some water and snacks, dressing appropriately. Practicing safety measures helps build your confidence and improves your experience.