Bike Safety
Riding a bike is a healthy, fun activity the whole family can enjoy together. However, it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy, it is, by all rights and purposes, a vehicle and should be treated as such. Bicycling is easy on your joints and muscles, provides a great full-body workout, and gets your heart pumping, but follow these simple tips to avoid head bumps, broken bones, and bruises.
Make Sure Your Bike Is Safe
As an adult, it is your responsibility to check your bicycle to make sure everything is in proper working order, and to check out the bikes that belong to the younger members of your family. Make sure there are no loose parts on your bike, that the chain is firmly where it's supposed to be, and that the brakes are working properly. If you or a family member rides at night, make sure all lights and reflectors are visible to avoid getting hit by a car. It is not a bad idea to get your family's bikes checked out by a professional about once per year to make sure everything is working as it should.
Make Sure You're Visible
Even if you are cycling in the daytime, it is a good idea to wear reflective and bright clothing so that motorists can see you clearly. If you are riding at night (not recommended) it is crucial that you have a headlight on your bicycle so that cars can see you on the road. Many unfortunate accidents have befallen a cyclist because the operator of a car simply did not see them.
Wear Protective Gear
It doesn't matter what it does to your hairdo or how much your kids complain. It is absolutely necessary to wear a helmet every time you get on your bike. Head injuries can be permanently debilitating or even fatal, so it is worth looking a little goofy to protect your fragile skull. Additionally, wear knee pads, elbow pads, and padded gloves so that your extremities are protected in the event of a fall. In inclement weather, make sure you have the proper clothing to keep you warm and dry. It is also a good idea to wear protective eyewear. Bugs don't discriminate between a car's windshield and your face.
Stay Alert
Keep your mind on what you are doing at all times. If you are riding in a group, make sure there is an established order to who rides in front, and who rides in back, making sure the younger, less experienced cyclists are safely guarded by the more experienced cyclists. Follow proper traffic laws, or else you might get a ticket, but stay off busy roads at busy times, even if you know the rules inside and out. Use proper signaling when riding with traffic, and keep the earbuds out and your attention focused on what is going on around you. It could mean the difference between life and death.
If you follow these simply guidelines, cycling can be a fun and exciting way to build muscle strength, endurance, promote good health, and provide a wonderful bonding time between members of your family.
Make Sure Your Bike Is Safe
As an adult, it is your responsibility to check your bicycle to make sure everything is in proper working order, and to check out the bikes that belong to the younger members of your family. Make sure there are no loose parts on your bike, that the chain is firmly where it's supposed to be, and that the brakes are working properly. If you or a family member rides at night, make sure all lights and reflectors are visible to avoid getting hit by a car. It is not a bad idea to get your family's bikes checked out by a professional about once per year to make sure everything is working as it should.
Make Sure You're Visible
Even if you are cycling in the daytime, it is a good idea to wear reflective and bright clothing so that motorists can see you clearly. If you are riding at night (not recommended) it is crucial that you have a headlight on your bicycle so that cars can see you on the road. Many unfortunate accidents have befallen a cyclist because the operator of a car simply did not see them.
Wear Protective Gear
It doesn't matter what it does to your hairdo or how much your kids complain. It is absolutely necessary to wear a helmet every time you get on your bike. Head injuries can be permanently debilitating or even fatal, so it is worth looking a little goofy to protect your fragile skull. Additionally, wear knee pads, elbow pads, and padded gloves so that your extremities are protected in the event of a fall. In inclement weather, make sure you have the proper clothing to keep you warm and dry. It is also a good idea to wear protective eyewear. Bugs don't discriminate between a car's windshield and your face.
Stay Alert
Keep your mind on what you are doing at all times. If you are riding in a group, make sure there is an established order to who rides in front, and who rides in back, making sure the younger, less experienced cyclists are safely guarded by the more experienced cyclists. Follow proper traffic laws, or else you might get a ticket, but stay off busy roads at busy times, even if you know the rules inside and out. Use proper signaling when riding with traffic, and keep the earbuds out and your attention focused on what is going on around you. It could mean the difference between life and death.
If you follow these simply guidelines, cycling can be a fun and exciting way to build muscle strength, endurance, promote good health, and provide a wonderful bonding time between members of your family.
About the Author:
Lawrence Reaves writes about health and safety, and believes you should make sure you always protect your family and your belongings, which is why he writes for a provider of personal identification labels.