Ride Safely with Bicycle Safety Gear
All too often we go for a bike ride without giving a thought to safety. Using a helmet may seem obvious, but there’s more to it. Here are some pointers that you would do well to keep in mind.
Gear Up for Bicycle Safety
Bicycles may be the smallest wheeled objects on the road, but in the eyes of the law, they are vehicles nonetheless. As vehicle operators, cyclists must follow the same rules, laws and regulations as other drivers. Legally, the only difference between a bicycle and the average car is a few thousand pounds. But, when you’re sharing the road, it’s a big difference. That’s why proper protection is crucial.
No cyclist should purchase a bike without also buying the necessary safety gear. With the right accessories your journey will be more comfortable, more fun and above all, a lot safer.
The number one rule of safe cycling is to wear a proper helmet. Riding with a helmet is the law in some places, and it’s simply the smartest way to ride. There are many helmets available on the market, and some offer a higher degree of protection than others. Ask for assistance at a professional cycle shop to make the best choice. Look for a helmet that is not only comfortable, but is constructed of top-quality materials to provide the best protection. Saving a few bucks on a cheaper model is no bargain if you suffer head injury from an accidental fall. It’s important that the helmet you choose fits properly to prevent neck pain, and is well-ventilated to provide adequate heat release on during long, hot rides. If you ride without protection because you don’t like the look or feel of a helmet, or if you just don’t believe that you’ll ever get into a cycling accident, take a trip to a group home or hospital. The results of head injury are truly devastating, and it can happen to anyone.
Hydration packs are a wise component of safe biking gear. Many bikes come stocked with water bottle cages, but water bottles can be dangerous to use as they can easily cause riders to lose speed, control and their direct line of sight. For this reason, many riders avoid taking water along for the ride, and quickly become dehydrated. It is essential, however, to keep hydrated during long rides and on hot sunny days. Hydration packs, on the other hand, give cyclists the benefits of fresh water, without the hassle of a water bottle. Hydration packs also have spaces to store keys and other necessities like energy bars, a rain jacket and a cell phone. As far as that water cage goes, it’s perfect for storing an extra bottle of fresh water in case of an emergency.
Any cyclist who’s ever taken a bug or a bit of debris in the eye will tell you that eyewear is a crucial component of your safe biking gear. Not only does good eyewear protect your eyes from debris, it also shields the bright sunlight. Serious riders purchase proper cycling goggles, while others opt for less expensive sunglasses. So long as it is good quality eyewear that fits properly, the choice is really yours. Lenses should be orange or yellow to brighten the road or track, light up dark and shady. In the evening or on overcast days, these lenses really do wonders for your visibility on the road.
As far as clothing goes, any comfortable attire will suffice for the recreational and casual cyclist. Extreme cyclists and long distance riders, on the other hand, will choose padded cycling shorts. The soft material prevents chafing and rashes, and the padded seat means a more comfortable ride.
Many cyclists are surprised to learn that half-finger gloves can be considered safety gear. These gloves are padded to protect the palms, yet allow the fingers to move freely. Cyclists who wear these gloves are less likely to develop calluses and rashes, and so can ride for extended periods of time without pain.
In comparing models, look at the individual safety features of the bikes. Don’t be afraid to invest in a more expensive model, especially if you’re cycling for health reasons. The added safety and security of choosing a lightweight bicycle with good suspension is worth the extra investment.
Bicycles are the smallest vehicles on the road, yet cyclists are expected to share the lane and the responsibilities with all other traffic. Accidents can happen, and cyclists can’t afford to take chances with safety.
October 26 2008 | cycling | No Comments »