The summer is upon us and it's great weather for riding your bike. But unfortunately there will be accidents, many that could have been avoided with common sense and following the rules of the road. So let's take a quick, basic review of some basic bicycle safety rules:
1. Be Properly Fitted to Your Bike
Driving your bike will be a lot easier, and give you much better control, if your bike is fitted correctly to you. Make sure the bike you're using is the correct size for you. Ensure that the bicycle's seat is at the proper height, your knees being slightly bent when extending a pedal away from you. Adjust the handlebars so they're about level with the seat and can be reached comfortably.
2. Wear a Helmet
This tip cannot be stressed enough! Wearing a properly-fitted helmet can very well save your life. The human skull is pretty tough, but often not tough enough to handle being hit by a car or smacking into the road. While using your helmet, ensure that the straps are fitted snugly and it is positioned on your head correctly. If, God forbid, you are involved in an accident and your helmet gets hit, buy a new helmet as the old one may have weakened.
3. Get a Headlight and Keep it on During the Day
In many places it is the law that a bicycle has to have reflectors and a headlight. Do what the car drivers do: turn your headlight on during the day. It is more effective in catching a driver's eye when lit. Also make sure the bike has the required reflectors. For added safety, there are reflector leg straps you may want to consider, and if you wear a backpack, put a reflector on it too.
4. Keep Your Bike Well-Maintained
Keep the tires at the proper pressure and make sure your brakes are working will save a lot of wear and tear on your bicycle. Always make sure the bicycle chain is properly fitted on the gears. Verify the wheels spin freely and the reflectors and headlight are not loose. Check the seat and handlebars to ensure they are firmly set in place.
5. Buy a Horn
You can get some pretty loud bike horns these days, and investing in one is a wise move. Instead of yelling to get someone's attention, a bike horn is much more effective. One classic style of bike horn is the type you squeeze a black bulb to make a loud noise, and is quite inexpensive, too.
6. Be Very Aware of Cars
I know this rule sounds obvious, but if you bike in the city you're surrounded by tons of moving metal and one mistake can be fatal. Most drivers focus on other cars, not bicycles, causing many an accident that could have been avoided. I myself was hit by a car while biking - a classic accident where the driver was turning onto the street and was looking only for cars, not bikes - and I can tell you, concussion sucks. A lot of drivers simply don't take bicyclists seriously, or don't think about them at all. So be almost paranoid around cars & trucks!
7. Follow the Rules and Laws of the Road
At the very least, this tip will save you a ticket from a police officer. Drive on the correct side of the street and learn the hand signals for turning: left turn, left arm pointed straight out. Stop, arm held out from the body and hand pointing down. Right turn, arm held out from the body and hand pointed up. If you act like a serious, responsible vehicle driver, others will respect you more.
These quick seven tips will help you to be a safe bicyclist. Have a great summer!
