Riding a bike can be incredible exercise and even just a perfect way to relax. Commuting to work by bike is becoming more and more popular since it is a very good way to lower your carbon footprint.
Though you will be safe riding your bike most of the time, it can be quite dangerous. Riding in traffic has its obvious risks, but even a leisurely ride along a bike path can pose a threat as well.
Even when you are doing everything right, a careless motorist can cause an accident in which you’ll need a personal injury lawyer like Tucson based Lamber Goodnow.
In this article, we will go over several of the ways that you can keep yourself safe while riding your bike no matter where you decide to ride.
1. Always Wear a Helmet
This is the most obvious safety tip that almost goes without saying. Anytime that you get on a bike you need to be wearing a helmet.
Many biking fatalities are caused when a rider has decided to ride without one.
It is so easy to fall off of a bicycle that it doesn’t make sense to not wear one. Even riding on a flat surface with no cars around can have you fall off of your bike.
A child or animal could dart out in front of you. Your wheel could get a stick stuck in it and lock up. There are a number of ways you can fall off and hit your head.
2. Do an Equipment Check
Before setting off you need to do something that most commercial drivers do before their workday begins. And that is to do a check of the bicycle to make sure everything is working correctly.
You need to first do a walk around and make sure that your reflectors are in good condition. Check the tire pressure and add air if they are low.
And, make sure that there is nothing that could jam your chain like a rock or twig for instance.
Check the brakes to see if they are making contact as you don’t want to find out too late that they are not working.
3. Know Your Route
Take a few moments to plan out how you expect to get where you’re going. Then think of what the route is like in reality.
You could remember that a certain section of the road has construction and it would be a good idea to make a detour or find an alternative route.
If there is a stretch where there is a lot of traffic then you should either plan a long way to go and leave early or try a time when there is less traffic.
This is especially important if the weather is bad. Slick roads, if it is raining, can be very dangerous so driving in traffic should be avoided when possible.
4. Stay Alert
You have to have your head on a swivel so make sure that you are not taking away from your awareness of your surroundings.
This includes not listening to music on headphones while you ride. And you certainly shouldn’t be texting or talking on the phone.