Since childhood, you`ve probably been biking with your friends around the park as one way of bonding and playing with them outdoors. But as you grow older, not only is biking for recreational purposes, but it`s also now considered a physical exercise and a healthier mode of transportation. And so, you can see many people biking their way to work or school as they can save much money from paying gas or transportation fees. However, biking on the roads and streets can be dangerous, even if you claim to be the best biker in town. In fact, among the common road accidents are bicycle-related, and the number of fatalities is increasing every year.
Thus, every biker must take preventive actions to ensure their safety while riding their bikes on the road.
For more information, here are six bike safety tips to help you avoid road accidents:
1. Never Skip On The Helmet
Wearing a helmet can make a vast difference between life and death in the unfortunate event that you get into a road accident. A helmet will significantly reduce your likelihood of a head, neck, or face injury should you ever be involved in a road accident. Furthermore, most states are now implementing bicycle helmet laws that mandate everyone of all ages to wear a helmet. Whether or not your state has this law, make sure you still wear a helmet for your safety.
It`s also vital that you know what to do if hit while riding a bike. For instance, if a car hits you while you`re biking on the road, which causes you to fall on the ground, you should never remove your helmet, even if you think you`re not hurt or in pain. Let the medics do it for you as you might never know if the collision has impacted your skull or neck, and carelessly removing your helmet might only make it worse.
2. Ride The Right Bike Size
Another reason why some bikers get into a road accident is that they`re using a bike that`s too big or small for them. With a bike that isn`t your right size, it`ll be hard for you to control and handle the bike properly.
As a general rule, make sure you invest in a bike that`s designed for your height. You can check the store`s bike size chart, so they can show you various bicycles that match your height. A bike in your size frame should allow you to stand with your feet flat while leaving two inches of space between your groin and the bike seat.
3. Always Check Your Brakes Before Taking Off
Before you drive away with your bike, make it a habit to check your brakes and see if they`re working perfectly. To check the brakes, you can spin the wheels with your hand and use the brake. Do this for both your back and front wheels.
Doing this will assure you that your brakes are functional and can save you from any possible mishaps. In case there are issues with your brakes, make sure to fix them first or take them to a repair shop before you can ride on your bike again.
4. Use Headlights
Headlights are very important, especially if you`re biking for a night ride. The headlights won`t only help you see the road clearly, but this will also help the other drivers see you while you`re on the road. Some bikers are hit on the road because they`re not visible, leading the other drivers to crash or run into them. So, keep yourself safe while biking on the road by actively using your headlights at night and your running lights during the day.
5. Never Wear Headphones
Many people love wearing headphones while biking as the music gets them pumped up, relaxed, and makes the drive go by quicker, especially when biking a long distance. Unfortunately, wearing headphones can also put you at risk for road accidents. Everyone knows how it`s essential to stay alert when you`re on the road. However, it`s nearly impossible to stay alert if you can barely hear the other cars on your side due to the headphones.
Furthermore, it`ll be hard for you to hear or see other hazards such as sirens from first-responder vehicles, people yelling, or car horns. So, as much as possible, refrain from wearing headphones and listening to music while biking.
6. Both Hands Should Be On The Handlebars
There are instances when some bikers would only use one hand when biking, so they can use the other hand to hold their phones, grocery bags, or a cup of coffee. For others, they`d even attempt to go biking with no hands at all to show off their abilities and look cooler.
However, biking without both hands on the handlebars can put you at risk for road accidents. Not only will it be harder for you to control your bike, but it`ll also be almost impossible for you to swerve in case there are road hazards (e.g., potholes, uneven pavement). As a result, you could fall from your bike or collide with other cars or objects. So, whatever your circumstances, both hands should be on the handlebars at all times.
Conclusion
Avoiding road accidents is possible as long as you commit to following these bike safety rules all the time. Taking note of the safety rules won`t only reduce your risk for accidents, but it`ll also keep other people safe on the road. So, do your part and remember to practice safety at all times.