Staying Safe While Riding Bike
By Donna Stark
The hot summer temperatures are on their way out and there is no better way to enjoy the cooler days than to head outdoors for a bike ride. Riding a bike isn't only a fun way to get around town, it's also a great way to exercise. But as with most workouts, you need to prioritize your safety! And staying safe on a bike requires more than you think. Check out the following safety tips before you hit the roads on your next ride.
Wear a Helmet
Accidents happen, and if you are on your bike, it's going to be you that bears the brunt of the injuries. Protect the most vulnerable part of your body by putting a helmet on before you even get on your bike. And if you need to buy one, make sure it is the right size and that it can be fitted properly on your head.
Follow the Rules
Your bicycle is considered a vehicle which means you need to follow the same rules of the road as automobile drivers. Yield to pedestrians, adhere to traffic signals and signs, and ride in the direction of traffic.
Use Hand Signals
Speaking of road rules, make sure you are brushed up on your hand signals. Unlike cars, your bike does not have any turn signals, so the drivers around you won't know what your intentions are unless you let them know on your own with hand signals.
Leave the Headphones at Home
One of the most important senses to use while riding with traffic is your sense of sound. Wearing headphones can significantly limit how well you can hear the cars, emergency vehicles, and people around you so keep your ears free!
Make Eye Contact
It's always good to make eye contact with nearby drivers before you enter intersections, make turns, change lanes, or proceed through a stop sign. By doing so, you can ensure that they not only see you, but that they know what your intentions are.
Light Up the Dark
If you prefer to ride early in the morning or later in the evening when it is dark outside, your best course of action would be to light up! You can do this by making sure your bike has reflectors, a headlight, or some flashing lights installed on it. Also, it would be wise to wear reflective clothing as well.
Staying Safe
Whether you are riding for the first time or have been on the road for years, it's never a bad thing to review as many safety tips as you can. Now go ahead ... grab your helmet and enjoy the ride!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Renton, Wash.