Riding a bike is a fun activity that boosts your strength and improves your balance. It is also an awesome way to make new friends and keep your car off the roads for a while. Although riding bicycles is a great way to exercise and helps keep you fit, it can also put you at risk of getting into an accident if you’re not careful. A large number of people from all around the world suffer from serious injuries due to being distracted or not obeying the road rules. Therefore, we’ve prepared this guide to explain how to stay safe and protected from bicycle accidents, so read on for some amazing tips.
Choose The Right Size
For starters, you need to ensure that your bike is the right size for you. If your bike is too small or too big, you will struggle to control it properly. Choosing a suitable bicycle correlates with your height. When you go shopping, make sure to check the size chart to help you pick the right size for you. Ideally, you should be able to be on your feet, leaving only two inches between your groin and the seat. It is best to ask the salesperson’s advice and let them help you choose a suitable bike. While you’re at it, make sure that your two-wheeler is in perfect condition before using it. Ensure that the tires are inflated properly, check the brakes, and feel free to adjust the seat, if necessary, to make it comfortable enough for you.
Wear a Helmet
Many cyclists overlook the importance of wearing a helmet. Which is probably why most of them end up having fatal accidents. Studies show that a serious injury can be reduced by 70% only by wearing a helmet. Even though all bike injuries are painful, head injuries can cause further traumatic consequences and even death. Furthermore, the sole purpose of helmets is to protect your skull against strikes and smacks.
Therefore, you should always wear your helmet to keep your head, face, and neck safe, should you be involved in an accident. In the event that you have a bicycle accident, you should not reuse your helmet. Additionally, if you get injured, Jim Pocrass suggested that you hire an attorney to protect your rights and get you the compensation you’re entitled to. Because no compensation outdoes a healthy and safe body, you should stick to your helmet as a means of protection.
Keep Distractions Lowkey
Riding a bicycle alone can put you through enough danger, so don’t make things worse by doing something on the side. Stay away from distractions and focus on the road. Embrace the beauty of nature and inhale fresh air while you’re on your bike rather than listening to music on your headphones. Even though it is fun to listen to your favorite songs, wearing headphones can be extremely dangerous. When you’re on the road, especially if there is traffic, all your senses need to be present and alert. You need to be able to listen to sirens, horns, and the engine sounds of approaching vehicles. Even if the road you’re on is quiet with less traffic, you still need to be aware of other vehicles or hazards that can jeopardize your safety.
Use Your Hands
One of the best things about cycling is that it improves your balance remarkably, which allows you to ride without keeping your hands on the handlebars. Unfortunately, riding this way puts your life in danger and makes you more prone to either hit. Or get hit by a car. When your hands aren’t on the handlebars, it will take you much longer to veer or brake when something hazardous appears suddenly or a pedestrian crosses the street. Subsequently, you can either fall off your bike injuring yourself, or hit someone because you are unable to stop in time. Moreover, sometimes it is difficult to control the bike when you step on pebbles or uneven surfaces while keeping your hands on the bike. The situation becomes more challenging when you show off your abilities by riding hands-free.
Make Your Bike Visible
Headlights are not only exclusive to vehicles and motorcycles. One of the most crucial things you need to do is to add headlights to help you see clearly and be seen by others. You should also familiarize yourself with how to use them, especially at intersections. Other drivers won’t know what you’re about to do unless you give them a sign or a warning. Furthermore, you can add daytime lights and headlights for evening rides. When all drivers are on the same page, accidents and collisions are less likely to take place. Additionally, you may consider wearing bright clothes or reflectors, even if it runs against your sense of fashion, to increase your visibility at night and lower the chances of having an accident.
Think Like a Car Driver
When you’re on a bike, it is easy to cross different lanes and spin in and out among vehicles. Riding this way makes it more probable to get yourself hurt. Even though your two-wheeler is small in size, treat it like a car. A bigger vehicle doesn’t cut across lanes or overlook road signals. Stay on the safe side and be predictable to other drivers so you don’t take someone by surprise and get them or yourself injured. Moreover, stick to the dedicated bicycle lanes, if there are any, as this’ll help keep you and other cyclists safe.
Taking a morning ride on your bike is priceless. It gives you a break from the daily routine and makes you enjoy the chilly breeze. Unfortunately, it comes at a price since it is one of the top sports that cause accidents. If you care about your safety, you must be aware of important tips on how to protect yourself while riding a bike. Don’t take the instructions lightly because if you do, you may jeopardize your life and increase the risk of getting seriously injured. Save the mentioned tips and make sure to follow them on your next ride.
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