Riding a bike can be fun, convenient, invigorating and very good for your health. Unfortunately, since you have to share the road with motorists, it can also be very dangerous. You need to know how to stay safe.
Naturally, nothing can guarantee your safety. Many cyclists who get injured have perfectly followed the traffic laws and simply become the victims of inattentive and dangerous drivers. Even so, these tips can help you in many ways and may prevent injuries or accidents:
- Add a taillight and a headlight to your bike. They’re far brighter than reflectors. Plus, they can really help make you more visible during the day, not just at night.
- Carefully go over your bike before every ride to make sure that it is in great condition.
- Get cycling clothing that uses high-vis fabric. A bright green has been shown to be the most visible color to the human eye. At least throw on a jacket of this color while riding.
- Wear a helmet. If you do get into an accident, a helmet can massively reduce your odds of a serious injury.
- Get familiar with your route. Map out new routes before you go. When possible, ride on roads you’re already used to so that you know what to expect.
- Use bike paths and bike lanes when available. Unfortunately, they’re not always going to be an option, but they help significantly when they are.
Again, these tips can help, but nothing guarantees you won’t get injured in a crash. If you do, you may need to seek compensation for your injuries.
