Almost everyone can remember the first time they rode a bike, feeling the wind in their hair and experiencing the giddy excitement of using their own physical energy to propel themselves forward, and it's no surprise that after that first ride, a lot of people fall in love with cycling and continue to head out on their bikes again and again as they get older, with close to 50 million regular cyclists in the US alone.
Cycling is a wonderful form of exercise. It's great cardio, keeping the heart and lungs especially healthy while burning a lot of calories and helping to tone muscles and burn fat. It's also an awesome way to engage with nature and get around in an eco-friendly way, able to enjoy the sights and sounds around you.
Still, despite being so enjoyable, cycling comes with its fair share of risks too, and the statistics make for some shocking reading. 467,000 bicyclists suffer injuries every year, and these kinds of injuries can be caused by badly-maintained bikes, other road users, distracted cyclists, poor weather conditions, and other issues too. Follow these top tips to stay safe while cycling.
Keep Your Bike Properly Maintained
This is one of the most important aspects of being a safe cyclist, and it's also one of that is very commonly overlooked. Every time before you head out on the roads, you should check your bike over for any issues that might need maintenance, as well as ensuring that your tires are properly inflated. A bit of bike maintenance could save your life, so never underestimate its importance.
Check The Forecast
Always be sure to take a look at the weather forecast before heading out on your bike, especially if you're planning a long journey or one on roads that could be treacherous. Rain can cause all kinds of issues for cyclists, not just in terms of slippery streets, but also in terms of making you less visible to cars and other road users too. Know what the weather is expected to be like and plan accordingly.
Dress Appropriately
Be sure to choose the right clothes while cycling too. You should aim for lightweight, comfortable fabrics and activewear attire when possible, as this will help you to stay cool and fresh on your bike. Many manufacturers provide moisture-wicking attire to absorb heat and sweat, providing additional comfort, and don't forget to choose appropriate footwear with a good grip on the pedals too.
Know Your Limits
If you're not a very skilled or experienced cyclist, it's probably best to steer clear of very busy urban areas with lots of traffic and narrow streets, as you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed and more likely to make mistakes. Don't be afraid to accept your limits and stick to simpler cycling, to begin with, working up to the more intense conditions later on.
Wear A Helmet
Helmets save lives. It's as simple as that. Statistics and studies have consistently shown that wearing helmets can reduce your risk of brain, face, and other injuries by a very impressive amount. A helmet acts as an extra layer of shock-absorbing support around your head, protecting the skull and brain if any accidents or collisions do occur. Even if you're an experienced cyclist with years of experience, there's always a risk of accidents occurring, so buy a quality helmet and wear it every time.
Use Hand Signals
One of the key issues cyclists face in the modern era is being overlooked or not noticed by other road users in cars, vans, and other vehicles. Since your bike is a lot smaller than any other vehicle on the road, you have to make yourself seen somehow. This is where hand signals can prove to be useful, helping other road users know when you're about to make a turn, so they can act accordingly.
Stay Alert
Thanks to modern gadgets like smartphones, it's easy to get a little distracted while you're out on the roads, but a distracted cyclist is at a much higher risk of getting into an accident than one who is focused on the roads, and with over 850 cyclists killed in 2018 alone, it's simply not wise to take any chances. Stay alert and focused, aware of vehicles around you, and any hazards up ahead so you can prepare and take the proper measures to keep yourself safe.
Ride-In The Light
While it might be tempting to go for early evening rides after the sun has set, it's much safer to avoid low-light cycling altogether. You have a much higher chance of not being spotted by other road users in dark conditions, making the risk of collisions and accidents a lot likelier too. If you do insist on riding when it's dark out, be sure to take the proper precautions, equipping your bike with reflectors or lights and wearing reflective clothing too.
Ride With A Friend
Not only is riding with a friend more fun for both of you, but it's also a lot safer, as if one rider gets into an accident or has an issue with their bike, the other one can stop and offer assistance. Cycling solo can be a lot of fun too, but riding with friends or family members is a fun way to share the experience. It can be a fun way for couples to get in shape together, for instance, or for friends to explore their local area.
Always Keep One Hand On The Handlebars
This one should be obvious, but it's worth mentioning, as there are many instances where cyclists can be seen taking their hands off their handlebars in order to handle other items, take a drink of water, or check their phones. If you need to remove your hands from the bars, be sure to stop in a safe place first.
Conclusion
Cycling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite a risky activity too, especially for those who fail to heed guidance and prepare properly for their rides. Follow these tips, remembering to focus on bike maintenance and staying alert while on the roads in order to have the best, safest experiences, every time.
