by Matt Bird

Created on: May 16, 2009

Biking is great fun. It's good exercise, and a reliable, clean way of getting where you're going. But it's also a potentially dangerous pastime, one that can get you badly injured if you're not aware of everything that may come your way.

Here are a few tips that will help ensure that you get home safely every time you head out for a bike ride.

1.) Wear a helmet. I'll admit that I break this rule pretty much every time I head out on the road, but do as I say, not as I do. A properly adjusted helmet can save your life in those unexpected crashes. Other such protective gear might also be recommended, like knee and elbow pads, but only the helmet is essential.

2.) Keep your bike in good condition. Take it into a shop for maintenance at least once a year to make sure it's still in good working order. There's nothing worse than careening down a hill and discovering your brakes aren't working the way they should. (Trust me, it's happened to me before.)

3.) Keep your eyes open at all times. You really can't let your mind wander while you're on a bike, even on the safest and smoothest of paths. The unexpected can crop up without even a moment's notice, and you may only have a few seconds to respond - seconds you won't get if your head is stuck in la-la land.

4.) Keep your ears open. Quite often dangers manifest themselves behind or to the side of you, and you need to be able to hear them to stay alive. As such I don't recommend riding with music playing - or, if you simply can't do without music, use ear buds (so outside sounds can filter in) and keep the volume nice and low.

5.) Beware cars. These mechanical monstrosities are the big reason why one needs absolute attention. No offense, all you drivers out there, but you're maniacs. Motorists usually aren't on the lookout for bikes and thus won't be prepared to deal with you when they're turning a corner. Keep an eye on what the driver's head is doing - if it's looking any direction other than towards you, it's probably best to slow down until they've moved on. Even parked cars need to be carefully monitored, as they can suddenly roar to life and start rolling - or, possibly worse, a door can swing open and catch your bike as you roll by.

6.) Use hand signals. Those cyclists who prefer to ride their bikes in traffic (and I personally think they're crazy, but that's just me) need a way of telling cars where they're going. Hand signals are usually the only sound method of doing so. For that matter, I recommend getting a rear view mirror mounted on the front of your bike so you know what's behind you.

7.) Look both ways before crossing. Yes, this is advice for children, but it's good advice. The unexpected can pop out of nowhere at any time. Be sure to check over your shoulder occasionally, as well, just in case.

8.) Get a bell for your bike. This is useful for pedestrians who just aren't looking your way. Lacking a bell, yelling at them usually works, though plenty of cyclists seem to think this rude.

9.) Wear reflective gear at night. A few flashing reflectors can save you when a car's barrelling towards you and doesn't know you're there. I don't recommend riding at night that much regardless, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

Safe cycling isn't as difficult as it seems, but you do need to pay attention at all times. Bikers are probably at a greater risk of injury than both pedestrians and motorists when they're out there, thanks to their relatively unprotected bodies and high speeds, so they have to have their eyes open to any dangers. Do so and you'll enjoy a long, safe and healthy relationship with your bike.

Learn more about this author, Matt Bird.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.