If you have bought a new bike and cannot wait to experience the thrill of cycling on your favorite lane, you must keep some safety factors in mind. Even though cycling is comparatively safer than driving, it can be equally dangerous if you do not pay attention to the road or fail to follow the rules. Here are some measures that every cyclist must take to keep themselves and others around them safe.
1. Enhance Visibility
Since most bikes are not equipped with lights, they are not visible to other vehicles when driving in the dark. This can result in a collision and serious injuries both for you and the driver of the vehicle. Make sure that your bike or outfit has a reflective coat that enhances visibility, especially if you are riding at night or in bad weather. At times, visibility is also blocked in heavy rain and cloudy weather, which is why you must always have a reflective component on some part of your bike. To further enhance visibility, stay in a lane that is easily seen by the vehicles behind you and make sure that the driver has seen you.
2. Do not Ride without your Helmet
Needless to say, you must always have your helmet on when riding your bike as it can save you from serious and life-threatening injuries. Even though it is not the only protective gear that can prevent serious injuries, it can diminish the impact you may suffer during a heavy collision. It is particularly important to wear your helmet during rough weather to prevent head injuries during unexpected slips due to poor road conditions. Thousands of cyclists die every year due to the head injuries that occur in the absence of a helmet. Wearing a helmet is suggested even if you have to travel a short distance.
3. Follow the Road Rules
Whether you are a driver or a biker, you must know and follow the rules established for your region. Failing to do so can result in collisions or serious accidents. Moreover, if you fail to follow the rules or stay in your lane, you may have to face some form of legal action imposed by the victim. According to the experienced attorneys at https://bestbicycleaccidentlawyer.com, you can also avoid paying unnecessary penalties by staying within your limit and avoid a hefty fine that may follow. You can easily get the road rules of your region online.
4. Stretch and Warm-Up
It is necessary to stretch and warm-up before you get on your bike to avoid muscle spasms and physical injuries. This is particularly necessary if you have to cycle for a longer period and cover more than you usually do. Consider light calisthenics, low impact cardio, or stretching before you get on your bike. This is also an easy way to prepare your body to endure cycling as a form of physical exercise. Once you are done cycling, get off the bike lightly and stretch your legs and arms again. This will ensure that your muscles stay active and avoid cramping. It is also an effective way to steadily cool down.
5. Learn Cycling Etiquette
It is also crucial to pick up some cycling etiquette to make riding or biking more convenient for people sharing the road. It can also help avoid accidents and make the experience more pleasant. Basic cycling etiquette includes following your own lane, riding on the right side of the road (the side may vary based on your region’s rules), following traffic light indications, providing hand gestures to indicate a signal for the drivers behind you, staying within your speed limit, making way for others in a hurry, announcing “On your left” when passing by other cyclists to alert them.
6. Carry a Water Bottle and Safety Kit
Since cycling can be a stressful activity, especially after riding for a couple of hours at a stretch, your body may become dehydrated. While it is necessary to take frequent breaks, you must also keep yourself hydrated to avoid health issues or heat stroke. For this, carry a water bottle and fix a cup holder on your bike to carry it easily. Along with this, keep a small safety or first aid kit to treat injuries in case you get into an accident. Your safety kit should also include spare parts and inflation tubes for your bike.
The next time you wish to take your bike out for a spin, keep these safety factors in mind to have a pleasant experience and keep safe. Pay extra attention to public roads as other vehicles are also susceptible to a collision if you are careless. Lastly, monitor your diet and feed on fiber and protein to keep your energy level high.
