3 safety tips for bicyclists

There are few activities quite like riding a bicycle. It is an effective and environmentally-friendly way to reach your destination. Biking is also a freeing experience that can be an excellent workout while allowing you the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. For these reasons, riding a bike has become the preferred mode of transportation for many people across the country.

However, it is important to take precautions to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Riding a bike leaves your body exposed and vulnerable to the much larger vehicles on the road. This makes bicycle accidents extremely dangerous. Fortunately, you can help keep yourself safe by following a few simple rules.

Make yourself visible

It is crucial that you make yourself stand out when riding a bike on the road. Bikes are considerably smaller than both cars and trucks, which makes you more difficult to see. Many accidents occur simply because drivers are unable to see bicyclists. You can help make yourself visible by changing your wardrobe and using reflective gear.

Fluorescent colored clothing can make it much easier for drivers to see you. Bright colors like orange, red and lime green can make you stand out against the surrounding scenery. You can also wear reflective gear or apply stickers to your bicycle to make yourself more visible. Naturally, taking these measures becomes increasingly important when you are riding during the night.

Always protect your head

You must protect your head at all costs when riding a bicycle. If you are someone who has been riding for many years, you probably have heard this rule thousands of times. Still, many people avoid wearing a helmet because it is uncomfortable or is not an attractive look. Make sure you find a helmet that fits comfortably on your head. This can help prevent a severe head or brain injury if you fall off your bike or are involved in an accident.

Ride like you are driving a car

A good rule of thumb for all bicyclists is to ride like you are driving a car. This means that you should follow the same laws and use the same etiquette. When you approach a stop sign, come to a complete halt and observe your surroundings before proceeding. Use hand signals in advance of making a turn so that the people you share the road with can react accordingly. Ride with the flow of traffic. These are all simple decisions that can make sure that you are safe while enjoying your bike ride.