With the weather getting warmer, more and more people are taking up cycling as a way to get around. This is great news, as cycling is a healthy and environmentally-friendly way to travel. However, it's important to remember that there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when cycling in warm weather. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for staying safe while cycling in the summer sun!
Summer Bike Maintenance
Bike maintenance is essential for safe cycling, and this is especially true in the summer months. The heat can cause tires to expand, making them more susceptible to punctures. It can also cause brake pads to wear down more quickly. As a result, it's important to check your bike regularly and make sure that everything is in good working order. This means inflating your tires to the correct pressure, checking your brakes for wear, and making sure that all of your bolts are tight. By taking a few minutes to maintain your bike, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer of cycling.
Always Wear a Helmet
Cycling is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it's important to stay safe while doing it. One of the best ways to do this is to always wear a helmet. A good helmet should fit snugly but comfortably on your head and be fastened securely. It should also have a label that indicates that it meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. When choosing a helmet, look for one that has plenty of ventilation to keep your head cool, and make sure to replace it if it's ever been in a collision.
Use Hand Signals
Cyclists should always use hand signals to communicate their intentions to other cyclists and drivers. Hand signals are an important part of the cyclist's toolkit, and they can help to prevent accidents. For example, if a cyclist is turning left, they should extend their left arm out to the side. If a cyclist is turning right, they should extend their right arm out to the side. If a cyclist is slowing down or stopping, they should extend their left arm out to the side and bend their elbow so that their hand is pointing down. By using these simple hand signals, cyclists can ensure that everyone on the road knows where they are going, and that can help to avoid accidents.
Dress Brightly
As anyone who has ever been on a bike knows, being visible is essential for staying safe. Motorists need to be able to see cyclists in order to avoid accidents, and pedestrians need to be able to see them as well. One of the best ways to make sure you are visible while cycling is to dress brightly. Wearing light-colored or reflective clothing will help you stand out, both during the day and at night.
Don't Text and Cycle
As the popularity of cycling has increased, so has the number of accidents involving cyclists. One of the most common causes of these accidents is distracted biking, or cycling while texting or otherwise using a mobile device. Not only is this illegal in many states, but it is also extremely dangerous. Cyclists who are distracted are more likely to swerve into traffic or fail to see hazards in the road. In addition, they are more likely to ride carelessly, putting themselves and others at risk. If you are going to cycle, make sure to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars. And if you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location first.
Don't Drink and Cycle
Drinking alcohol impairs your judgment and slows your reflexes, making it more difficult to navigate traffic and avoid obstacles. It’s also harder to balance when you’re drunk, increasing the likelihood of falling off your bike. If you’re planning on drinking, leave your bike at home and take public transportation or a taxi. It’s not worth risking your safety for a ride.
Cycle with Traffic
It is important to be aware of your surroundings while cycling on the road. One tip for staying safe is to "cycle with traffic." This means that you should ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic, not against it. By following this advice, you will be more visible to drivers and less likely to be involved in a collision. In addition, you will be able to take advantage of any bike lanes or other dedicated cycling infrastructure that may be available. Of course, it is always important to use your best judgement and to be aware of potential hazards, but following this tip can help you to stay safe while cycling on the road.
