Cycling Safety
3athlt
Posts: 131 Member
Anita mentioned recently that she's really getting in to her cycling, and that's AWESOME! I sent her a personal message about cycling "stuff", but I wanted to share a few things with the group that I feel very strongly about. I LOVE cycling myself, but I was also in a pretty nasty accident a few years ago. I don't know if anyone else is getting outside and putting in some miles, but for me - there's no better way to see the world around you! I've had a love affair with bikes as a kid, and I think I love them more now than I ever did! Anyway... here goes...
1) Wear a helmet. I know most of you probably didn’t wear a helmet when you were younger and you turned out fine. But I’m telling you as someone that’s been involved in a significant cycling accident that a helmet can not only prevent a concussion (or the severity of a concussion), but it can save your life.
1a) Buy a NEW helmet, not used. Normally I preach buying used equipment, but not in this area. When buying a used helmet, you never know if that helmet was in an accident or not. Helmets lose their structural integrity after accidents and are no longer safe. Buy a NEW helmet.
2) Be hyper-aware of everything. Assume that no motor vehicle operators see you. Try to make eye contact (when applicable) with other drivers. Also be on the lookout for small kids on bikes (they may not be skilled enough to take evasive maneuvers), and dogs.
3) Learn how to change a tire. If you ride long enough, you WILL get a flat tire. Everyone should carry a spare inner tube, a frame pump (or cylinder of air), tire levers, and a spare tire. If you’ve never changed a tire, go to your local bike shop. They can help you in-person. Most quality bike shops offer free clinics. There’s also plenty of YouTube videos out there that show you how to change a tire. It doesn’t take a village to change a tire.
4) Always carry a cell phone. You never know when or if you’ll be in an accident or you’re in danger. Also, in your contact list make sure to have a listing for ICE (In Case Of Emergency). If you’re in an accident someone can use your phone to call you emergency contact for you.
5) Always carry identification. Again, you never know when/if you’ll be in an accident. Everyone should carry ID with them.
6) Follow the rules of the road. This includes stopping at all stop signs. Always give hand signals to indicate turns.
7) Carry mace or pepper spray. I know some people might think I’m nuts for listing this, but you never know when/if you’ll need it. Also, if you become the victim of a dog attack – mace/pepper spray may be the only thing between you and a hospital visit. I know I may catch flack for this, but my safety is my safety. I’m a dog lover myself, and I love most all animals (but I just don’t like cats, LOL). But given the choice between a vicious dog attack and getting away clean, I’ll go for the option that doesn’t put me in the hospital (and I’ll save the co-pay, too). Mace/pepper spray is cheaper than a co-pay, thank you very much.
8) If you’re going to be out when visibility is not 100%, try to wear a white/bright or reflective top. Also, it’s good to have a flashing rear light to increase your visibility. Of course if you’re riding when it’s dark you should definitely have a headlight.
I could list dozens of things, but I just wanted to cover some basic points. I absolutely LOVE cycling, but safety cannot be stressed enough. Get your miles in, but be safe doing it! Happy cycling, everyone!
1) Wear a helmet. I know most of you probably didn’t wear a helmet when you were younger and you turned out fine. But I’m telling you as someone that’s been involved in a significant cycling accident that a helmet can not only prevent a concussion (or the severity of a concussion), but it can save your life.
1a) Buy a NEW helmet, not used. Normally I preach buying used equipment, but not in this area. When buying a used helmet, you never know if that helmet was in an accident or not. Helmets lose their structural integrity after accidents and are no longer safe. Buy a NEW helmet.
2) Be hyper-aware of everything. Assume that no motor vehicle operators see you. Try to make eye contact (when applicable) with other drivers. Also be on the lookout for small kids on bikes (they may not be skilled enough to take evasive maneuvers), and dogs.
3) Learn how to change a tire. If you ride long enough, you WILL get a flat tire. Everyone should carry a spare inner tube, a frame pump (or cylinder of air), tire levers, and a spare tire. If you’ve never changed a tire, go to your local bike shop. They can help you in-person. Most quality bike shops offer free clinics. There’s also plenty of YouTube videos out there that show you how to change a tire. It doesn’t take a village to change a tire.
4) Always carry a cell phone. You never know when or if you’ll be in an accident or you’re in danger. Also, in your contact list make sure to have a listing for ICE (In Case Of Emergency). If you’re in an accident someone can use your phone to call you emergency contact for you.
5) Always carry identification. Again, you never know when/if you’ll be in an accident. Everyone should carry ID with them.
6) Follow the rules of the road. This includes stopping at all stop signs. Always give hand signals to indicate turns.
7) Carry mace or pepper spray. I know some people might think I’m nuts for listing this, but you never know when/if you’ll need it. Also, if you become the victim of a dog attack – mace/pepper spray may be the only thing between you and a hospital visit. I know I may catch flack for this, but my safety is my safety. I’m a dog lover myself, and I love most all animals (but I just don’t like cats, LOL). But given the choice between a vicious dog attack and getting away clean, I’ll go for the option that doesn’t put me in the hospital (and I’ll save the co-pay, too). Mace/pepper spray is cheaper than a co-pay, thank you very much.
8) If you’re going to be out when visibility is not 100%, try to wear a white/bright or reflective top. Also, it’s good to have a flashing rear light to increase your visibility. Of course if you’re riding when it’s dark you should definitely have a headlight.
I could list dozens of things, but I just wanted to cover some basic points. I absolutely LOVE cycling, but safety cannot be stressed enough. Get your miles in, but be safe doing it! Happy cycling, everyone!
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Replies
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M: Thank you so much for taking the time to write this out for everyone. I appreciate you taking time out to make sure that people are being safe.
As much as I would LOVE to ride a bike, because I loved it as a kid, I am scared of breaking the tires. Last time I got on a real bike (not a stationary) I deflated the tires because of my weight, which I believe at the time was 230. After that I said only when I lost weight. Also doesn't it make your thighs bigger? By that I mean muscular, most people I know that ride bikes have muscular thighs. Or is it maybe how much the ride, and where they ride? Is there a certain weight that you should wait to get to before trying to get on a bike. Sorry for my weird questions, I think it is awesome that you are so knowledgeable about this, it helps ease everyone's concerns. I have never been fit, so I sometimes feel like I will never get there. Well, thank you. Good luck
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