Bike Safety by Using the Correct Bicycle Equipment and Coping Confidently With Cycling Hazards

Bike Safety by Using the Correct Bicycle Equipment and Coping Confidently With Cycling Hazards

It’s calculated that there are about 85 million bike riders in the U.S. over half a million of them wind up in ERs each year. Nearly 70,000 people are hospitalized every year merely because they didn’t wear a helmet.

Putting on a helmet when cycling is the best possible way to keep yourself from suffering a major injury. No matter if you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, this is the top rule of cycling. They’re cheap and available at retailers nationwide. Sadly, only a small percentage of bike riders adopt this elementary rule and many pay the price.

Cycle accident head injury stats are astounding. Nearly one out of every 8 results in brain damage. Moreover, two-thirds of bike accident deaths are the result of traumatic brain injury. Experts say the vast majority of these fatalities and injuries could have easily been avoided.

It is important to wear a bike helmet that is sized properly. Find out the size required by measuring around the largest part of the head. This is the area approximately an inch above the eyebrows. When properly worn, the helmet will rest in this place. Read the packaging of the helmets and match the measurement with the size on the box.

To make the helmet more well-situated and fit perfectly, sizing pads are ordinarily included. These are added to the inside of the headgear to make a cosy, but not tight fit. The straps on a helmet are adjustable and should also be snug but not excessively tight. They come with plastic clips to fasten them. These should invariably be done up when riding to hold the helmet in place.

In addition to putting on a helmet, there are other safety forethoughts cyclists need to keep in mind. Reflectors should be installed on all cycles. They give a visual clue to drivers, especially in low-light situations. Reflective clothing is another option and gives high profile of the rider.

As with driving a automobile, you’re responsible for your safety and that of others close to you. Merely complying all the traffic rules will keep you much safer. Stop at all stop signs and lights, be aware of what’s going on around you and use good judgment when you ride.

Remember, cars and trucks are much heavier and are going quicker than they may appear. This lesson should be earnestly emphasized to any kid or adult just learning to ride a bicycle. Inexperienced riders should stay out of high traffic areas, and will learn to ride more safely as their confidence goes up.

Cars and trucks cannot stop as promptly as you can, and they are not always watching out for bicycle riders. Be watchful, pay attention to all the traffic around you at all times. Making eye contact with drivers at crossings ensures they see you and are cognizant of your intentions.

Always ride your bike on designated bike paths when available. Some cities provide bike paths in business areas that are well away from traffic. When no path is usable, cycle with the traffic on the far right side, not against. When turning, invariably use hand signals, make sure the drivers around you know what you are doing.

Sidewalks can be dangerous to a cyclist. There are usually things like sign posts, rubbish cans and even cars parked across them. These things can be hard to navigate, especially when combined with people walking about. The risk of injury to the cyclist or an innocent pedestrian is rather high. It’s best to stay off the footpath with your bicycle.

The most dangerous time of day to ride a bike is in the darker hours. Children are especially vulnerable because of their small size. Cyclists and their bicycles can be hard to see unless they have reflective gear on. For even higher visibility, headlamps, taillights and even directional lights should be installed on any bike that will be ridden at nighttime.

No matter where you ride your bike, what type of bike you ride, or your age, cycling can be a whole lot of fun. You can keep yourself safe by complying with some basic safety principles and donning a properly fitted helmet. Knowing you’re safe and being confident in traffic will make your ride much more enjoyable.

Next time we’ll talk about bike upkeep and repair. Find out what you can do to keep your bike riding smooth for many years to come.
For more information about bicycles and Bicycle Safety http://bicycles.biblioflip.com/, visit: http://biblioflip.com

K.L. “Vin” Hayes heads a team of freelance writers and researchers. Over the last decade, they have worked together to develop quality digital reissues of vintage books & documents as well as original publications. Vin specializes in how to info that includes a wide variety of matters such as fishing & hunting, hobbies & crafts, self-improvement, construction and more.

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