Bicycle Safety
If you are an avid cyclist, you know that your safety is a key component you need to think about when riding. It’s important to know the laws of the road and follow the traffic signs as it will help keep you safe and avoid an accident or injury. Biking is a fun activity, but it’s important to know how to go cycling safely so you can enjoy it.
When going cycling on the main road or where cars will be, it is important to bike in the same direction as the traffic and not to go against it. You could also join the traffic as well, it will let them see you and it allows motorists to be more aware when they know that there are cyclists in the surrounding area. It is also important for you, the one biking, to know your surroundings, and know the lanes and signs in the area. If you in an unfamiliar place, ride slowly and scan the area for bike paths or crosswalks before cycling in the street. Although it might seem like a given, it is important to always wear a helmet when you are on your bike as it will protect you should you be involved in an accident and get flung from the bike.
There are a few more important safety steps you should follow if you are a cyclist who prefers to go out at night. Motorists have limited vision in the dark, and it is recommended you wear reflectors on your bike so the driver’s lights will catch your reflectors and they can avoid you. Reflectors can be put on the front, side, and rear of the bike, as well as attach to the wheels of the bike, where the reflectors will spin and possibly attract more attention. The biker themselves might also want to wear reflective clothing to increase visibility for the motorists.
When cycling in a busy area, the rider needs to be free of distractions, so it is recommended not to use your phone when riding or listening to headphones. This might seem like a bad thing but it is only going to keep you safer. If you are listening to music, you might not hear somebody’s horn or a siren coming by, and it could cause you to enter a collision. Having both hands on the handlebars is also safer as it gives the rider more control over the bike and it is easier to break if needed suddenly.
Bike safety is just as important as safety on the roads, and it could really be helpful in a bad situation. Before using your bicycle, you should test your brakes and make sure they are working properly. If you are going on a long ride or a trip, you definitely want to bring a small tool kit with you, in case of a breakdown. Knowing how to make quick repairs to the bike will also be of use, such as changing a tire, fixing a flat, or tightening screws before riding again. It’s smart to bring tools and replacement parts as you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for someone to come find you and offer assistance.
Safety comes in handy so being smart and knowing about cycling safety can help you out in the long run, whether by saving your life or just being able to replace a flat tube. Cycling is a fun and healthy exercise and can be very enjoyable if you have the knowledge of how to do it safely.
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