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Pre-ride check
Supplies Checklist Cycling Safety Cycling in any of it forms can be exhilarating or at least enjoyable, but it can have it's dangers. More than a million bicycle accident occur in the USA each year. Just figure how many there must be in countries where the bicycle is the transportation of the masses. Unfortunately some can be quite serious especially head injuries. Riding Tips While having protective gear is paramount, putting it to use is not something that you want to do. How you ride , and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls may allow you to stay whole and to keep all that special protective gear in mint condition.
HELMETS Throughout this site you will find that head protection in the form of a helmet is always top priority. It is not that we have a total disregard for the rest of the body or even your equipment, but your head or rather what's in it controls the rest of your body. With no head or a damaged brain you have no control. No control, no fun. Get it? While broken bones heal, a head injury can lead to death or a permanent brain damage disability. Each year, nearly 70,000 bicyclists suffer serious head injuries. Many never fully recover. Every bicyclist needs the protection that a good bicycle helmet provides. Of course, a helmet can't keep a bicyclist from falling. But it can cut the chances of serious brain injury. Researchers say that bicycle helmets can prevent three out of four serious cycling head injuries. So what kind of helmet. Unless you are racing or doing long touring trips against the wind you don't really need one of these streamlined and pointy helmets. You may do better with an all-around helmet, as people whose actively ride are likely to have other interests. Today's helmets are lightweight, fashionable, cool and inexpensive. You can find a decent helmet for as little as $25.00 or as much as $250.00, with very little difference in the protection or comfort. So what do you look for in a helmet. Fit, (you make them fit by adjusting the chin strap and putting foam pads around inside), comfort, construction and weight. Any good helmet should have an endorsement of a reputable non biased organization or research lab such as the Underwriters Lab or Snell Foundations. Look on the inside of the helmet: It should have a green or blue Snell sticker (fig. 1), meaning the helmet passed the Snell Foundation's tests for safety. Eye Protection Whether you ride on the roads, BMX or mountain biking you should always wear eye protection. When riding in a group or from passing vehicle the danger of having a pebble strike you in the eye is a reality. If not a pebble you could be struck by a flying insect many of which have some irritating qualities. Mountain riding bring you in close to tree branches which can scratch or even gouge your eyes. Glasses must fit so as not to fall off on a tumble and the lenses need to be shatterproof. It is advisable to have wrap around glasses but they are not absolutely necessary but are certainly cooler . For bright days, try a dark or Iridium lens which reduces glare. On gray days go for amber or yellow tints. Wear something on your eyes even it is not the peel away goggles that the BMX boys wear. Gloves Any serious biker will tell you to get yourself a good pair of gloves. Some gloves come with gel inserts that will make your handlebars very comfortable and will keep your hands from getting blistered or scraped if you fall. Hydration and
high temperature control Safety Tips We can make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips:
Remember a bicycle is a vehicle. Bicyclists share a complex traffic environment with other larger forms of transportation. Youngsters under age nine lack the physical and mental development to interact safely in that environment. |
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Apply the correct technique and ride the
proper type of bike for each type of trail surface. 