Riding a bike can be a lot of fun, and is an excellent way to get around while staying in shape. But bike accidents are no joke. Bicycle Safety may not be the most exciting topic, but bike accidents can be pretty serious if you’re not careful.
It’s important that you follow bicycle safety tips to limit bike accidents. That’s where this article comes in!
In this article, we’ll walk you through 15 tips for riders of all ages to help you stay safe while riding your bike.
Let’s get right to it!
Start by following cycling rules and wearing high-quality safety gear. These are the two cardinal rules for bike safety.
There are other simple tips that can also make a huge difference in keeping you safe so keep reading.
Wearing safety gear while cycling isn’t mandatory in all states. But it’s very important that you never ride a bicycle without them. The most important parts to protect are your head and hands. Keep on reading for more information about the most essential safety gear.
Different bikes have different purposes. Road bikes, hybrid bikes, and comfort bikes are best for use on roads. In contrast, mountain bikes and gravel are perfect for off-road cycling.
Make sure that to keep your bicycle chain, derailleurs, and brakes are in good condition. These parts are essential for the safe & dependable operation of your bike. Make it a habit to check these before each trip.
Slippery roads and heavy winds can make for a dangerous ride. Avoid riding in bad weather. Always check the weather forecast to prepare yourself and your bicycle.
See also XXL Mountain Bike – Best Mountain Bike For Big and TallMaking sure you’re visible to traffic & pedestrians is critical for safety. Wear bright colors during the day. Wear clothing with reflective strips during the night.
A lot of cycling accidents are due to cyclists riding through red lights & stop signs. Cyclists share the road with vehicles. Obey traffic lights as well as any signs just like you expect cars to.
Avoid texting, phone calls, or listening to music while riding your bike. Roads & trails can always present surprises and demand a level of concentration.
Install side mirrors on your handlebars. That way you won’t have to keep looking over your shoulders while moving through traffic. This way you can always keep your eyes on the road.
Riding makes you sweat, which means you lose a lot of water. Many riders overlook the dangers of dehydration while riding. This can affect your judgment and reaction time. Always keep a bottle of water on your bike.
Keep your hands on the handlebar, unless you’re signing to other vehicles. Also, slow down around road hazards. (more about this in the following sections)
Cars will never expect to see you on the left side of the road, which makes riding against traffic dangerous. Also, if you ride against the flow of traffic approaching cars are coming at you much quicker.
Riding in a group is safer safety because a group is more visible to vehicles. Also, if something does happen you have others near who can help.
The safest place for bicycles is to the right of car traffic. Try to ride your bike where cars and other cyclists will expect to see you. If you try to make your own rules while riding, the risk may catch up to you.
Eye contact is essential to have a mutual understanding of those around you in traffic. But, you might also need to make some noise using a bell or horn to alert those who aren’t aware of visual cues.
Make sure you have a first aid kit that includes essential tools, and cash in case you have to get a ride. It makes sense to plan for these things.
Commuting or running your errands on your bike usually means riding in car traffic. Since you’ll be sharing the road with cars & trucks, it’s essential that you maintain your safety by following essential road safety tips. These tips include:
To ensure the safety of children, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
Wearing proper safety gear is the most important safety tip by far! This applies to any bicycle rider no matter their age or circumstances. In this section, we’ll cover the safety items you need to have on your list.
Helmets are one of the most important safety gear for cyclists! They’re required by law in many countries since they greatly reduce head injuries.
Other essential bicycle safety accessories for safety are the headlight and tail lights. You can also add bike indicator lights/blinkers for better visibility.
Cycling glasses help improve visibility. They protect your eyes from the sun, bugs, road debris & dust. Wear clear protective glasses for night riding and protective sunglasses for the day.
Cycling gloves improve your grip and enhance your handling of the bike. They also protect your hands if you fall with outstretched hands. You may need insulated gloves for winter riding.
Each region or state will have its own rules on bicycle safety, especially when riding your bike on the road. Check out this resource to learn about Bike Laws in your state.
Here are some of the most essential statistics related to bicycle safety: In 2020 there were about 675 cyclist deaths, which is less than 2019 (846) and 2018 (868). The numbers went down each year thanks to more awareness of bicycle safety rules and tips. According to the NHTSA, wearing proper safety gear reduces the risk of serious injuries by up to 60%! Now those are numbers that tell a real story.
Take care when riding past parked cars. Many bike accidents happen when drivers open their doors as cyclists are passing.
These areas deserve special care & attention. Always follow the same rules that cars need to follow and you’ll be much safer in traffic.
When it rains, oil from cars & trucks mixes with rainwater. This makes for slippery roads and sidewalks. Leave yourself extra room to stop when riding in the rain.
These are some of the biggest problems for cyclists. They’re unpredictable and you usually can’t see until you’re close.
Some cyclists weave in and out of traffic and pass vehicles like they own the road. This is a great way to get in an accident with a car or truck.
Believe me, cyclists rarely come out on top of those encounters.
There you have it! A brief guide with a wide range of bicycle safety tips. Valuable cycling practices will help you stay on the safe side while riding your bike!
Now go check out this article to learn about Average Bike Speed of Various types of Bikes!
