A bike is a complex piece of equipment that, from a physics perspective, we don’t really understand. Bewildering science aside, bikes are fun, low-cost, environmentally-friendly transportation options, but they do require riders to make some safe choices.
Wear a helmet
The most critical piece of safety equipment for bicycle riders is a helmet. Keep in mind, helmets have expiration dates and are only effective once. If you’ve been in a fall with a helmet, there is a strong chance you’ll need a new helmet. This can be costly, but it is an essential step for your safety.
Check your tires
Flat tires are obvious annoyances, but bad tread and consistent leaks are also trouble on the road. Underinflated tires make bikes harder to control. Lack of tread can make you unstable in muddy, icy, rainy or sandy conditions.
Get a tune-up
Ensuring that your bike is in working order is essential. Pedals can come loose; chains can get stuck; gears can break down. Regular bike checkups ensure that your ride is in working order for any problem.
Watch the other vehicles.
You never forget how to ride a bike, but it sure seems like drivers forget that cycles even exist. The single greatest hazards to bicyclists are cars. They tend to pay little attention to bikes and will often drive aggressively. Give any vehicle as much room as you can to stay safe.
Follow traffic laws
The rules of the road are important for both safety and legal reasons. If you get into an accident because you rolled through a stop sign or drove against the flow of traffic, you may not be able to collect compensation. As long as you’re doing your best to protect yourself, you have a strong chance if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident.
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