Even though riding bicycles is a relatively risk-free pastime, you still should take certain safety measures before heading out again on your bike. And this involves more than just donning a head protection device. The following is a rundown of the most important pieces of bicycle safety information that you should know before your next ride.
Do – Comply with Traffic Laws
Even though it may seem obvious, it’s crucial that you abide by all roadside traffic signs and signals. This implies that a bicyclist must nevertheless abide by the same traffic regulations as a driver of a car, including halting at stop lights, signaling turns, and riding within the statutory speed limit. In order to comply with traffic laws, you need to make sure that all the equipment on your bike is fully functional. If you need a spare part for your bike, we recommend that you look into chain links.
Don’t – Ride a Bike without a Helmet
Even if you merely want to cycle around the block, this must always be your first and most important guideline to observe. The one and only item that can prevent your head from hitting the ground in the event of an accident is a helmet. If you’re still not convinced, you should know that brain trauma is the leading cause of fatalities in bicycle accidents.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that you need to have the best headgear. Your chin strap has to be correctly fastened, and your helmet must fit securely on your head. Before getting back on your cycle, you should get a new helmet if any component of the old one is broken, loose, or worn-out since it will not be able to protect you effectively.
Do – Ensure Others Can See You
Many jurisdictions now mandate that riders wear a rear light beacon that is visible from 300 feet away and a bright front light can be seen from 500 feet away. Whether or not it is a law, it is nevertheless strongly advised that you abide by those rules. Additionally, you should wear bright clothes if you plan to cycle at night or in poor visibility circumstances so that motorists can see you more readily.
Don’t – Count on Motorists to Notice You
While you should try to make yourself as visible as possible to other vehicles on the streets, you must never presume that they can see you. Most motorists really aren’t going to be alert for bicycles, and a bicycle is much smaller than a car, making it more difficult to see. Because of this, you must ride cautiously, communicate clearly with other drivers, and pay close attention to your surroundings. It might also be useful to mount a rearview mirror on your handlebars or helmet.
Do – Stay Vigilant While Cycling
You must thus pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eye out for any possible hazards, including gravel, debris, damp roads, potholes, and more. Consequently, you should avoid driving when distracted. You won’t be able to pay attention to what is going on around you if you are riding while using headphones or a cell phone.
