Bicycle riding safety tips

Cycling has many benefits. It can be a form of exercise. It puts less strain on your joints than running. Cycling can be an alternative to driving. It saves you money on gas and is better for the environment.

Cycling is a fun activity. You can do it alone or with your family or a group of people. However, cycling also has its risks. Below are safety tips to follow when riding a bike.

Way to safety

Some cities and areas are more bike-friendly than others. The main method of avoiding injury is to pay attention to the people and things around you. This applies even if you have the right. Other guidelines include:

Protect your head. All children, teens and adults should wear a helmet, even on short walks. In fact, in some states it is a legal obligation to wear a helmet. When selecting a helmet, make sure it meets safety standards. Look for the seal of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Your helmet should fit snugly. It should not move once you have attached the strap.

Protect your body. You can injure other parts of the body besides the head in a bicycle accident. Wear sports sunglasses to prevent dust and insects from entering your eyes. Wear gloves to avoid blisters or flying debris injuries. Wear padded shorts and a padded bike seat to reduce discomfort. If possible, wear clothing that covers the skin. This protects your body if you have a fall or accident.

Know the traffic rules. Cyclists generally follow the same traffic rules as cars. Respect traffic lights and signs, and drive with the flow of traffic. You should also know the guidelines to follow with other cyclists. For example, how to signal to pass cyclists, change lanes, or turn. Learn who has the right of way: cars, bicycles, or pedestrians. Try not to make sudden movements. Children under the age of 10 should never walk near traffic.

Stand out. Wear bright clothing so that it is easy for others to see. There are lights and bells that you can put on your bike. They help others see and hear you so you can stay safe.

Be smart. Observe all traffic regulations and drive in the bicycle lane, if available. Avoid riding a bike at night or in bad weather. This reduces visibility for you and those around you. Stay on flat and unobstructed roads. Stay in control and don't walk so fast that you can't stop if something happens. Avoid doing stunts on your bike.

There is always the possibility of a bicycle accident. It can be an individual accident or a collision with a car. You may have to exchange personal and insurance information if there was damage. Check your state's bicycle and motor vehicle laws. If the head is hit, the helmet will help absorb the force of the impact. See a doctor or go to the hospital if you show signs of a concussion.

Aspects to consider

It is important to regularly maintain and check your bike. You can do it yourself or take it to a professional business. Make sure there are no loose or broken parts. Check the brakes to make sure they work, and the tires to confirm they are inflated. Install or replace reflectors, lights, or bells on your bike.

If you are traveling with a child, you must use a special seat that fits behind the main seat. The child should always wear a helmet when going with you. Make sure that the bicycle has protectors on the spokes to avoid that the child's feet get caught in them.