6 Useful Pieces Of Advice To Enjoy Your Cycling Experience Safely

Cycling is one of the best activities that you can take on during the day. It is relaxing for both body and mind, and the health benefits of it are numerous. However, it can also be dangerous, for there are many dangers out there, from slippery wet roads to fast cars that pass by at high speed. On the other hand, there is also a danger of falling, which might lead to injuries. Therefore, it is essential that you take cycling seriously and become more professional. In this way, there are some indispensable pieces of advice that you have to bear in mind and implement in order to enjoy your cycling experience safely.

1. Equipment

Equipment is the very first thing you should care about when preparing to cycle. It is hugely important because it is an integral part of your safety on the road. The benefits of it are numerous, from a better overall experience to injury prevention.

Wear a helmet

Helmets are an obligatory part of cycling for all ages. It is a staggering fact that every year in the United States there are more than 500,000 injured cyclists, and over 800 get killed on the road. On the other hand, it is surprising that only wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury up to 85%! In addition, always make sure that you get a safe and quality helmet. It goes without saying that you should avoid buying a second-hand helmet that has been in a crash or a cracked one. Once you get a good one, make sure you fasten it to your head and wear it properly.

Comfortable seat

A quality seat is an extremely important part of your bicycle equipment. Investing in comfortable cycling saddles will take your cycling experience to a whole new level, and your back and spine will be grateful to you. Both young and adult cyclists may suffer from back pain due to bad posture while driving and/or low-quality seats. In this way, it is imperative that you afford yourself a comfortable cycling seat so that you prevent pain and discomfort.

2. Check your bike

Always make sure you give your bike a quick check before going cycling, especially on a longer route. If you notice that the chain is a bit rusty, give it a good cleaning. Additionally, put air in the tires, and always ensure that the brakes are working properly. In any case, if you feel you’re not skillful enough to get it right, then take it to the nearest mechanic.

3. Be visible

Being visible on the road is another crucial way to keep yourself safe while cycling. In this sense, make sure you have a white light on the front and a red one on the backside of your bicycle. If you’re not visible, then there is a high likelihood of either you hitting somebody or vice versa. What is more, you can get a fine if the police notice you without proper equipment!

4. Follow the rules

Although we sometimes feel we have had enough of rules in our lives, we have to remember they are there to keep us safe. The best option to stay safe and sound on the road is to follow the rules. Make sure you respect the traffic lights, ride in the traffic direction, bike at adequate speed, and you will surely have a safer and stress-free cycling experience. Lastly, don’t forget that while you follow the rules of the road, you’re not only keeping yourself safe but all other road participants as well!

5. Check the conditions

Once you ensure you have the proper equipment and a bicycle in good condition, check the weather and the road situation if you’re planning to go on a longer cycling trip, for you certainly don’t want to get caught in a nasty rain or insufferable traffic jam that will make you regret leaving your house.

6. Enjoy

Make sure you are relaxed while driving because if you drive for hours in tension, you will get tired easily, have poor concentration and suffer from muscle fatigue. Remember that at the end of the day, you cycle not because you have to, but because you love it. Enjoy it and stay cool. Cycling is the natural way of transportation. It will spare you all the hassle of the problems of not finding the parking lot, traffic jams, and polluted air. What is more, you’re saving the world while not driving your car but riding your bike.