For many of us, summer is the perfect season to dust off our bikes and get back on the road. Biking is a great way to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the outdoors. But it’s important to stay aware of the risks while you’re out on the road or path. Here are a few tips to keep bike safety top of mind:
Wear proper gear. Having a helmet that’s fitted properly is essential to protecting your head and is one of the most important steps you can take to minimize the risk of injuries. Avoid wearing flip flops and open-toe shoes that could get caught on your pedals or spokes — opt for footwear that offers more support and coverage. Bike shops will help fit you correctly.
Get a proper bike fit. Having a bike set up to fit your body will make riding much easier and more efficient and can help prevent pain and soreness.
Perform a pre-ride check. Before heading out, perform a quick bike check. Make sure tires are properly inflated, brakes are functioning, chains are lubricated and gears shift smoothly. This can prevent mechanical issues that could lead to accidents.
Know the rules. Ride with traffic and obey all road signs. Closely watch all cars in front of you so you can anticipate what they’re going to do and use appropriate hand signals for turns when sharing the road with cars.
Stay visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially for rides in the early morning or late evening. Equip your bike with front and rear lights, as well as reflectors on the pedals and wheels.
Hydrate properly. Riding in the summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Carry a water bottle and take regular breaks to hydrate when you need to. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to replace the salts lost through sweat.
Keep your bike protected. Bike safety needs to stay top of mind even when your bike isn’t on the road. When keeping your bike locked away for winter or day-to-day storage, it is important to keep it protected in the event it’s stolen or damaged.
Did you know that your bicycle could be covered by home or tenant insurance? Insurance companies may offer to cover replacement costs up to a set limit if your bicycle is stolen and found with damage, or if it’s lost. Learn more about your options for protecting your bicycle at belairdirect.com.
— News Canada
