Cycling is plenty of fun, and it is also a great workout. You can ride a bike as part of your fitness routine and also as a method of transportation.
Riding a bicycle in traffic alongside cars, trucks, and motorcycles is quite dangerous. You are the most vulnerable of all the vehicles on the road.
Therefore, you need to take every conceivable measure to protect yourself in case you are involved in an accident. The following are some crucial cycling safety tips:
What To Do If You Are in a Bike Accident
If you are involved in a road accident while on your bicycle, you should first and foremost remain calm. Panic and anger are the typical responses, but they usually worsen the problem rather than fix it. Pull over by the side of the road and take a few deep breaths.
If you are calm, ensure you are okay. Check and see if you have any injuries whatsoever. Road bike accidents can have devastating consequences. If you are injured, the priority should be to get medical attention as soon as possible.
Afterward, get the insurance information of whoever else is involved in the accident and collect evidence of the accident. See if you can get due compensation for your injuries if you so wish.
Follow Road Rules
Just because you are riding a bicycle on the road does not mean you don’t have to follow the road rules. If you want to be safe while riding your bike, your best alternative is to follow the road rules.
Ride in the direction of traffic and avoid riding on the sidewalks. Follow the traffic signals, especially those that pertain to cyclists, and avoid the long-term effects of a bike accident. Use a cyclist designated lane to be safe while cycling.
Pedestrians and cars have the right of way, and you should yield whenever appropriate. Following road rules greatly diminishes your chances of being involved in an accident.
Wear a Helmet
A helmet is not a foolproof safety measure, but it will significantly increase your chances of staying safe while riding your bike. Your head is the most crucial body part to protect, and a helmet is the best measure for protecting your head; it certainly beats getting into a road accident with a bear head.
Ensure that your helmet fits properly as sizes will vary between different manufacturers. Also, choose the sturdiest material you can find as long as it does not weigh you down or obstruct your vision. Avoiding head injuries is highly crucial when riding a bike.
Be Visible
A fantastic cycling safety tip is to be visible because most motorists involved in bike accidents often claim that they never saw the cyclists. It is imperative for you to be visible when riding your bike at night.
The general idea is to dress like a fluorescent peacock. Wear bright clothes that are colorful and highly visible. A reflector jacket or clothing will also be great for visibility. Reflectors on various parts of your bike are a great idea too.
Putting on your lights while riding your bike is vital, and you should not be riding your bike during dark times without lights. The more lights you have on your bike, the better.
Signaling
Riding a bike is one of the best natural ways to improve your fitness. However, there are other things you should learn as a cyclist, including how to signal since you don’t have indicators on your bike.
The main signals you should learn are turning left, turning right, and stopping. Behaving predictable on the road is an excellent way to be safe, and motorists will often become aware once you signal.
Staying safe on the road as a cyclist is a tricky proposition. However, you should do it to the best of your capability. The best safety measure for a cyclist is to be aware of your surroundings. It will help you avoid most accidents.
