Cycling is a lot of fun, but it can be risky, too. Hedge your bets against getting hurt by taking some precautions. Thoughtful outfitting of you and your bike, along with defensive cycling behavior, will help make your rides pleasurable and safe.

 
So how do we stay safe when bicycling? To begin with, wear a helmet. If you take a spill, crash into a dog that darts under your wheel, or if someone opens a car door in front of you and you can’t come to a stop in time, your skid lid could make the difference between gibbering for the rest of your life and walking away from the accident. Ride defensively, too. In other words, keep an eye open ahead, to the sides, and behind you for hazards. Learn how to “hold your line” when in traffic. And make sure your bike is outfitted for safety — lighting and reflectors, a rearview mirror (or two), a bell, and a sound machine all help keep you safe. There’s more, but that’s where the following articles will help. So, dig on in!

• • Save Your Brain From Pain—Cycling Helmets
• • Are You Bright? Or Are You Out of Sight
• • Taking the Rear View—It Can Save Your Bacon
• • Look Back! Something Might Be Gaining on You

   

• • Reflecting on Life in the Slow Lane
• • The Eyes Have It
• • Crash Course: Striking it Lucky
• • Dog Days: Anatomy of a Bike Crash
• • Prescription for Relief: How I Fought Riding Pain with a Short High Rise Stem
• • Get the Massage: Putting a Bit of Stick About
• • Got Aches and Pains? Get the Massage!
• • One Got Fat: A Short Bicycle Safety Film
• • Freedom Isn’t Free: The Economics of Transportational Bicycling

 
Send a Comment