Today, more and more people are choosing alternative forms of transportation, opting for more eco-friendly methods. One of the most common is riding a bicycle.
While the younger generation is leading this trend, they are also the ones who suffer from it the most. While cycling is great for the environment and your health, there are also inherent dangers. The spike in the accidents caused by improper cycling safety measures cannot be ignored, and you can read more about them on this page.
To stay safe while biking to school, work, the store, or anywhere else, use the tips here.
Brush up on your knowledge of cycling safety with our tips
1. Helmets are Non-Negotiable
In the past, many bike riders opted to go sans helmet, believing their “cool points” would be diminished by riding this type of head-gear. However, if you fail to wear a helmet, and you are in an accident, you can suffer serious injuries to your head, neck, and even spinal cord. Up to 50 percent of all bicycle-related head injuries resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you suffer this, it can alter your life significantly. There’s no reason to take chances. Make sure to wear a helmet regardless of where you are going or what you are doing.
2. Stay Alert at All Times
Make sure you stay aware of your surroundings. When you are on your bike, you need to make sure you aren’t distracted by anything, as this can present serious hazards to you and others on the road.
Some specific tips to keep in mind when riding a bike include:
Carefully Pass Stopped Vehicles
Car doors may swing open suddenly, and directly in your path. If this happens, you may have limited to no time to react. Rather than cycling on, treat each vehicle you go by as if the door is about to swing open.
Exaggerate Body Language, Posture, and Eye Contact
By doing this, you make it easily distinguishable for drivers and pedestrians to determine what you are able to do. Visual communication can keep you safe and let others know what you are about to do.
Use Cycling Hand Signals
These are extremely important when riding among traffic. The hand signals help you let others know what you are able to do.
Avoid Distractions
Don’t use earbuds or headphones while cycling. You should also stay off your smartphone or similar devices. You need to make sure you are putting your full attention on what you are doing and where you are going.
3. Assume You’re Completely Invisible to Everyone
When you are on a bike, you may believe that other people and drivers are going to see you and give you the right of way. The bad news is, this won’t always be what happens. In fact, in many situations, the opposite is true.
Rather than taking a chance and entrusting your overall safety to someone else, make sure you act as though you are invisible. With this mindset, you are going to use more caution when approaching vehicles and people and ensure your safety.
4. Make Sure You Are Seen
Thanks to the influx of people cycling to get from point A to point B, it’s important to make sure you are easily seen, regardless of if you are biking during the day or at night. Some of the items to use include Hi-Vis, taillights, and headlights.
When you implement the tips found here, you will be able to ensure your safety while biking to or from work, school, or anywhere else you have to go. By avoiding hazards, paying attention, and knowing what to expect from others, you can stay safe while using this eco-friendly form of transportation regardless of where you live.
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