Ride Smart
Biking is a unique form of transportation that has been in use for centuries. Today, it is enjoyed not only as a means to get from one place to another but also as a valued sport and aerobic activity. Although biking can be quite a fun activity, just like any physical activity, it can lead to accidents when safety is risked. Thus, for bikers whether novices or pros, it is always important to keep safety a priority when biking.
One of the very first things you should secure is a well-fitting helmet. A helmet protects your head from injuries that may be related to biking accidents. Always keep in mind that the worst biking injuries occur when the rider does not wear the right headgear. Before biking, secure your helmet properly to your head with the chin strap to make sure that it stays on your head despite movement.
When purchasing your helmet, make sure that you buy a new one. Previously used helmets, despite looking seemingly fine on the outside, maybe less than acceptable on the inside. Invest in a good helmet that has passed safety standards as it can save your life. Remember that although a helmet will not prevent an impending injury, it can nevertheless minimize its consequence.
Learn and Live to Continue to Ride
If you are a sports biker, you will also need to acquire some knee pads and elbow pads. These accessories will keep the skin on covered areas scuff-free in cases of accident. When you put them on, make sure that they are properly fitted over your joints.
Wearing the proper outfit is also important for safety. Avoid wearing clothes that will tangle with the handle grips, chain, or tires. It is also important that you wear the right shoes for your foot to perfectly grip the pedal.
Most importantly, obey traffic regulations. When biking, especially in urban areas, you would also need to have the right signal lights and reflector pads. This will help you be seen better by other motorists, thus, minimizing the chance of an accident. It would also not be too much for your bike to have a warning bell or a horn to warn other bikers and pedestrians should you wish to overtake them.
Regularly check your bike for any damage or defect, especially before a ride. Also protect your skin by applying some sunscreen and bug repellant and do not forget to drink lots of water before, during, and after a ride.
