by Tiffany Belle

Created on: July 11, 2008

Riding a bike is a great exercise that the whole family can do. It also saves on air pollution and saves you money on gas. For whatever reason you choose to ride a bike, be it exercise or pleasure, there are certain safety tips that you should remember every time you ride a bicycle. Safety is very important when riding a bike, as there are death related bicycle accidents. When you are riding a bicycle, you need to be aware of your surroundings just like driving a car. You need to keep yourself safe and your family safe when riding a bicycle. Here are bicycle safety tips that you should remember every time you take that bicycle out to ride.

Your bicycle should have several safety features on it. Make sure that the bicycle has front and back reflectors, rear view mirrors, and a basket or bag to carry items in so you can have both hands on the handlebars at all time.

Before you even step a foot onto your bicycle, make sure that everything is in working order. Make sure that the tire pressure is okay and if not add air to your tires. Examine the brakes and cables for wear and tear and be on the look out for any holes in either of them. Keep the chain well lubricated and clean and make sure that it is properly in place.

If you are going to be riding your bicycle around town and in the roads, make sure that you know all the traffic and safety laws, as you must obey them along with the cars. Learn how to signal to traffic with your arms and make sure that you use those signals.

If riding your bicycle in the road, you need to ride it on the right side of the street, along the curb, in a straight line. You will be driving the same direction as the traffic. Never weave in and out of lanes as traffic may not see and it is a safety hazard.

Expect the unexpected when riding your bicycle. Always be aware of the traffic and other objects around you. Look out for parked cars and speeding cars down the street. Pay special attention to intersections, as that is where the most accidents happen. You also need to keep an eye out for the road ahead of you. Look for any obstacles such as potholes or rocks that you may have to avoid in the street.

Make sure that you dress so that people can see you, especially if you will be riding your bicycle at night. Wear reflective clothing during the night and make sure that your bicycle has a white headlight and a red taillight. Even if you are biking during the day, makes sure that you wear brightly colored clothing so that you are visible to other people.

Wear protective gear. Always ride your bicycle with a helmet. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce your injuries to your head if you are in an accident while riding your bicycle. The helmet should fit properly and be in good shape. You may also want to wear bicycle gloves to help you better grip the handlebars and protect your hands during a fall. Shatter resistant eyewear is also a good idea, to keep bugs, debris, and sweat out of your eyes while riding your bicycle.

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