by Meaghan Louise

Created on: August 22, 2006   Last Updated: April 27, 2007

Ther are so many safety devices out there for everything these days that I'm beginning to wonder if we've lost sight of the whole point of existing. That is, to live. We spend so much time wrapping ourselves and our children in cotton wool that we seem to be suckingall the common sense and fun out of life. Fortuneatly there are a few sports where these are the main ingrdients. Her are the rules I follow for safe and enjoyable biking:

1. Choose where you are going to ride. Use bike tracks and lanes where possible. Pick a park or the road less travelled by motorists. Try to avoid high traffic areas.
2. Wher a helmet. Invest in a good one. Helmets do save lives, and if you use a bit of common sense, you will probably never need it, so it will last a lifetime. Go to a good bike shop and they can advise you. In Australia it's compulsury and the helmets you buy have a little sticker inside them telling you if they are approved safety devices.
3. Know the road rules.Parents please do not let your children out on the road until they do and you know that they are sensible enough to follow them.
4. Watch out for drivers. Most serious bike accidents are caused by drivers and not bike riders (this goes for motorcycles as well). Learn to anticipate what other traffic will be doing around you.Also look out for pedestrians who don't always watch for bikes wizzing past. They can't hear you like they can a car.
5. Wear bright clothing. If you prefer not to, a sash of bright orange or yellow material that you can slip on and off is the go. Simply roll it up and store it in your helmet between uses.This helps drivers and pedestrians see you and avoid you when nessecarry.
6. Have a bell and know when to use it. Let that old lady that might be about to cross the road that you are comming or warn that car driver not to fling open their door into the roadway.
7. If you are going to be riding at night. Fit reflectors. A light too if you are doing it regularly.These are cheap and most can be fitted without any technical knowledge.A lot of bikes you buy these days have them as standard. Lights can be battery powered or can use peddle power to generate current to power the small globe.
Biking is fun, great for fitness, good for the environment and a great alternative to motor vehicles for transport. If you follow these few safety tips, you can have fun and be safe at the same time. It's simple and doesn't have to cost much at all.

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