Bicycle Safety, Correct Equipment And Coping With Traffic Hazards

It's estimated that there are nearly 85 million cycle riders in the U.S. over half a million of them end up in emergency rooms each year. Nearly 70,000 people are hospitalized every year merely because they didn't wear a helmet.

Wearing a helmet when bicycling is the best possible way to keep yourself from suffering a major injury. No matter if you're an experienced rider or a beginner, this is the top rule of biking. They're cheap and available at retailers nationwide. Sadly, only a very small percentage of cycle riders follow this simple rule and many pay the cost.

Cycle accident head injury stats are startling. Almost one out of every eight results in brain damage. Moreover, two-thirds of cycle accident deaths are the result of traumatic brain injury. Experts say the immense bulk of these deaths and injuries could have easily been prevented.

It is crucial to wear a cycle helmet that is sized properly. Determine the size required by measuring around the largest part of the head. This is the area approximately an inch above the brow. When properly worn, the helmet will perch in this place. Study the packaging of the helmets and correspond the measurement with the size on the box.

To make the helmet more well-situated and fit correctly, sizing pads are normally included. These are added to the inside of the helmet to make a close, but not tight fit. The strapping on a helmet are adjustable and should also be snug but not too tight. They come with plastic clips to fasten them. These should invariably be done up when cycling to hold the helmet in place.

In addition to wearing a helmet, there are other safety forethoughts cyclists need to observe. Reflectors ought to be mounted on all bicycles. They give a visual clue to drivers, especially in low-light situations. Reflective garments is another choice and gives high profile of the rider.

As with driving a automobile, you're responsible for your safety and that of others about you. Merely complying all the traffic rules will keep you much safer. Stop at all stop signs and lights, be mindful of what's happening around you and use good judgment when you ride.

Remember, cars and trucks are much bigger and are going faster than they may look. This lesson should be earnestly emphasized to any tyke or grownup just learning to ride a bike. Inexperienced riders should stay out of high traffic areas, and will learn to ride more safely as their self-confidence goes up.

Cars and trucks cannot stop as promptly as you can, and they are not always watching out for bike riders. Be watchful, pay attention to all the traffic around you at all times. Making eye contact with drivers at intersections ensures they see you and are cognizant of your intentions.

Always ride your bike on indicated cycle paths when available. Some cities offer cycle routes in downtown areas that are well away from traffic. When no path is available, cycle with the traffic on the far right side, not against. When turning, invariably use hand signals, make sure the drivers around you know what you are doing.

Sidewalks can be unsafe to a bicyclist. There are usually things like sign posts, garbage cans and even cars parked across them. These things can be difficult to navigate, especially when mixed with people walking about. The risk of injury to the rider or an innocent pedestrian is quite high. It's best to remain off the sidewalk with your bike.

The most unsafe time of day to ride a bicycle is in the darker hours. Children are especially vulnerable because of their small size. Riders and their bicycles can be difficult to see unless they have reflective gear on. For even more visibility, headlights, taillights and even directional blinkers should be set up on any bicycle that will be ridden at nighttime.

No matter where you ride your bike, what type of cycle you ride, or your age, biking can be a whole lot of fun. You can keep yourself safe by adopting some basic safety principles and wearing a properly suited helmet. Knowing you're safe and being confident in traffic will make your ride much more gratifying.

Next time we'll talk about cycle maintenance and repair. Find out what you can do to keep your bike riding smooth for many years to come.

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For more info about Do It Yourself Bicycle Instruction, visit: biblioflip.com K.L. "Vin" Hayes heads a group of independent authors and researchers. Over the previous decade, they have worked together to produce quality digital reprints of vintage documents & books as well as original publications. Vin specializes in how to info that includes a broad assortment of subjects such as hunting & fishing, crafts & hobbies, construction, self- improvement and a whole lot more.

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