Did you know that 51.4 million people in the United States participated in bicycling in 2021?
Whether you like biking to and from work, biking with your family to explore the neighborhood, or loading bikes into the family vehicle to head to the cottage for fun in the great outdoors, there are many ways you can enjoy riding on two wheels.
In addition to enjoying the fresh air, you can get lots of benefits by throwing on a helmet, getting on your bike, and hitting the road. For instance, biking can help you stay fit and remain healthy, boost your brain power, improve your mental health, help you deal with stress, and more.
Do you live in an area with lots of houses and apartments? If so, it’s easy to feel cooped up indoors. One way you can spread your wings, so to speak, is by getting on a bike. But if you’re sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles, there are some safety precautions you’ll need to take to stay safe. Otherwise, you may be needing a personal injury lawyer for help.
Continue reading to learn about eight tips to take with you on the road so you can cycle safely.
1. Ride an Appropriately Sized Bike
Before you hit the open road on your bike, ensure your bike is the right size for you. Consider your height and weight to select a bike that’ll be comfortable and safe to operate. You can usually visit bike manufacturers’ websites to see their sizing charts when researching bikes. These sizing charts are your ticket for finding a right-sized bike for you. You’ll enjoy cycling more when you get a bike designed for someone fitting your parameters.
2. Check Tire Pressure
Another must if you want to be safe on the road is to check your tire pressure before heading out. Don’t just look at the tires and leave it at that. Check the tire pressure. Inflate the tires if they’re underinflated, and deflate them if they’re overinflated. Observing the tires’ overall condition is essential to ensure they’re in good shape. Carrying a tire repair kit and even a manual tire pump won’t hurt.
3. Check Your Brakes
Test your brakes to ensure they’re working correctly. The last thing you need is to apply the brakes while cruising around town — only to find out too late that the braking system isn’t working right. It shouldn’t be difficult to adjust the brakes or change the brake pads if they’re well-worn. If you cannot do the maintenance and repairs, find a reputable repair shop to do the work.
4. Wear a Helmet
Wear a helmet anytime you ride your bike. This should be non-negotiable from a common sense perspective, and it might be mandatory depending on your state and age. When looking for a good helmet, go to a shop specializing in bike helmets. You can get one well-fitted to your head.
5. Wear the Right Apparel
You also need to wear clothing that increases your visibility. That means putting on bright-colored apparel. Also, wear a vest over your clothing. Doing so will make it easy for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to see you.
6. Plan Your Route and Steer Clear of Busy Intersections
Your trip will go a lot better if you spend the time beforehand to plan your route. If you have a GPS unit that can be mounted to the handlebars of your bike, that can help you along your route. While you’re planning your route, try to avoid crowded intersections. And don’t drive on sidewalks unless you can’t avoid doing so.
7. Ride at a Comfortable Speed
Drive at a comfortable speed for you. Going faster than you should will increase your risks on the road. Keep in mind road conditions and the weather when determining a proper speed.
8. Think Like a Driver
Think like a driver when cycling. That means observing traffic lights and road signs, staying outside other vehicles’ blind spots, and using hand signals.
Keeping these points in mind will help you stay safe when cycling on the road. Doing the right things will reduce your risks and help you enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer.
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