safe cycling procedures

With 966 bicycle fatalities in 2021, practicing safe cycling procedures should be your highest priority when on the road.

Luckily, there are many ways to protect yourself and limit the chances of an accident.

Follow these 7 bike safety tips before you step onto your cycle.

1. Wear Protective Gear

One of the best ways to prevent injury is by using safety gear. The most important accessory for every cyclist is a helmet because it will save you from severe head trauma if you are knocked off of your bike.

Many state laws require everyone to wear a helmet when riding on the road. So, you will also avoid getting a fine when you wear a helmet even if you aren’t going far from your home.

Helmets need proper fitting to do their job. Get the right size helmet then customize the padding to fit the helmet snuggly on your head. Loosen or tighten the straps under your chin and make sure the V parts of the strap go over your ears.

The helmet should sit straight on your head and cover most of your forehead without pushing the helmet too far forward or back. It should also be tight enough so that the helmet doesn’t move more than an inch from side to side or front to back.

Other gear protects the rest of your body, which includes:

  • Elbow Pads
  • Knee Pads
  • Closed-toed Shoes
  • Tight-Fitted Clothing
  • Sun Glasses
  • Hats or Visors
  • Bike Gloves
  • Windbreaker

You also want to be prepared for the elements, such as extreme heat and rain. Wear layers and light-colored clothing to adjust your body temperature and reflect UV rays.

2. Be in Proper Health

If you don’t cycle often, then you should know your capabilities. Never start riding far or on rough terrain if you don’t cycle often or feel winded or ill.

Practice riding your bike on a flat surface, near your home, and in a small loop to test your abilities before embarking on a long journey.

You should also never go for a ride if you have pain that could impede your bicycling skills. For example, back pain and knee or leg pain will increase when riding a bike. Your legs are the primary source of momentum to get the bike moving. And your back is in an unusual position for long periods. So, if these parts of your body aren’t feeling well, then you could make a mistake while cycling.

3. Assess Your Route

In addition to assessing your health, you also need to know your route well. Choose a path that suits your skill level and that is safe to bicycle through.

You also want to find a route that includes a bike path to stay safe while riding alongside vehicles.

Hills, declines, and road conditions play a factor in how difficult your route will be, so be sure you know the layout of the path ahead of you to avoid surprises.

4. Comply With Traffic Laws

In the U.S., bike laws are similar to motor vehicle traffic laws. In fact, you should act like you are driving a car when on your bike, which includes:

  • Stopping at Traffic Lights
  • Using Turn Signals
  • Avoiding Following Other Vehicles Too Closely
  • Riding With the Traffic
  • Following Other Bikes in a Single-File Line
  • Keeping Your Hands on the Handlebars
  • Staying Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings

If you do get into an accident on your bike, then you or the other people involved may be liable just like if you were driving a car. That is why you need to hire a bicycle accident attorney to protect yourself from liability or to get compensation for your injuries.

5. Make Sure Vehicles See You

Even though you have to act like you are driving a vehicle while on your bike, this doesn’t mean other cars will view you as one.

On a bicycle, you will fit into a car’s blindspot easier since your bike is much small than a vehicle. That is why you should never assume that a driver of a vehicle sees you. Always make eye contact with the driver and wait for a signal from them to proceed, otherwise, let cars go before you start peddling.

Wearing bright clothes and reflective vests also help drivers see you, especially at night. Adding extra reflectors to your bike or installing headlights is important if you ride in the dark often on roads shared with motor vehicles.

6. Inspect Bike Equipment

Another essential part of cycling is ensuring your bike equipment is working. You don’t want to be on a ride and have a chain brake or tire run out of air far from home.

Do a full inspection before riding by checking the tire pressure, looking at the bike chains, and testing the brakes. Go on a test ride around the block to make sure your bike rides smoothly.

You can always carry or attach to your bike a small repair kit to patch a tire or tighten a bolt just in case something does go wrong.

7. Bring Essential Items

Bringing a backpack full of emergency and everyday items should be a part of your biking preparedness routine.

This is especially true for summer safety when the weather is extreme. You want to carry enough water to avoid dehydration, sunglasses and a hat to block the sun, and snacks in case you do have a bike malfunction away from civilization.

Having your ID, a cell phone, and extra cash or a credit card is also helpful. Your ID can assist first responders if you do have an accident. Use your cell phone’s GPS in case you get lost, call a friend if your bike breaks down, or call 911 if you are injured.
Carrying payment options allows you to buy supplies or food and water if you get stranded.

Bike Safety is Your Responsibility

Although there is no license for riding a bike, you should make an effort to learn bike safety procedures to be a responsible cyclist. When you follow these tips for safe biking then you are protecting other people on the road too and making the ride much more enjoyable.

Read more articles about staying safe while exploring the outdoors in our blog.