In honor of National Bike Month: Cycling Safety Tips

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CYCLING SAFETY

 

IN GENERAL:

 

Be highly aware of those around you.  People, bikes, cars, dogs, children.

Be observant of road conditions, what is ahead, etc. AT ALL TIMES. 

Make sure that your bike is in good working condition so as not to affect your experience, nor that of those around you when riding in a group.

Do not drift in your thoughts, always remain alert to your surroundings.

Listen to your “gut”.  If the road or riding conditions don’t feel safe to you, or you’re especially fatigued or otherwise distracted, change your route or save the workout for another day.

Be polite to your training partners and to others on the road.  Do not preach good behavior or proper technique to anyone, especially if you don’t know them.

Wear bright colors so you are easily noticed by others.

When riding early mornings, at night, in foggy or low visibility conditions, be sure to have lights on the front and back of your bike.

Always be as positive as you can.  Negative thoughts, bad moods, poor emotions, will affect your training…as will positive, happy ones!!

Behave predictably at all times.  Ride in a smooth, straight line.  Use body and verbal language to announce your intentions.  Occupy minimal space, leaving room for others.

Ride in a single file (2 by 2 if applicable and once you are comfortable with your group).  The lead person should call out and signal obstacles with plenty of time to avoid them.  These calls/signals should be repeated by everyone down the line.

Safety is always and forever your main concern.  You are responsible not only for yourself, but for those around you.  Err on the side of safety whenever there is doubt.  No ipods whatsoever!

Check the air pressure in your tires before every ride.  Pump your tires if necessary (this is needed often).  You may want to lower the pressure ever so slightly when riding in wet conditions, as this will facilitate better traction.

 

 

CITY STREET NOTES:

 Always ride in the same direction as traffic.

Ride single file.  9W two-abreast is ok on wide shoulder.

Obey all rules of the road (red lights, stop signs, yield to pedestrians)

Do not ride on sidewalks.

Watch for car doors opening.

 

CALLS AND SIGNALS:   

 

On your left!

On your right!

Clear!

Slowing!  (or hand signal)

Stopping!  (or hand signal)

Car back!  Car up!

Car right!  Car left!

Runner up!

Hole!  Glass!  Rough road!  (or pointing to obstacles/debris)

 

SKILLS:

 

Clipping In

Braking

Stopping

Gear Selection and Operation

Pedaling Efficiency and Cadence

Turns and Cornering

Standing

Climbing

Descending

Glancing Back

Water Bottle – take out, drink, put back into the cage (without looking)

Group Riding

Riding in Traffic

Signals and Calls

Pacelines

Body and Hand Position

                                                                                                                       

WHAT TO WEAR:

                 

Helmet

Sunglasses or Clear Glasses

Sunblock

Padded Bottoms J

Moisture Wicking Materials

Bright Colors

Cycling Shoes w/ Cleats

Gloves

 

WHAT TO KEEP ON YOUR BIKE AT ALL TIMES:

 These items are NOT optional.  If you do not have them on your bike at all times, you may adversely affect your safety and your experience, as well as that of your teammates.

 

Spare Tube

CO2 Cartridge & Dispenser

Tire Lever

Allen Key / Tool Kit

Credit Card

Cash

Nutrition

2 Full Water Bottles (one electrolyte on long ride)

Charged Cell Phone

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Filed Under:  

• Cycling
• Multisport
• Road Cycling

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