Cycling safety is a must! You probably know that cycling is a great hobby to pursue if you’re trying to live a healthier, more active lifestyle. Cycling has some great benefits and is an amazing way to get your cardio in. However, as with any sport, it is important to learn how to keep yourself safe when starting out.
Cycling can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, so, let’s get to grips with Cycling Safety: 3 Essential Tips for Beginners!
1. Make Sure Your Helmet Fits Well for Cycling Safety
It’s great that you’re wearing a helmet, but any old helmet might not be enough. Making sure the helmet you’re wearing fits well is essential. Otherwise, it cannot do its job to properly protect your head.
A properly fitting helmet should be snug on your head but not excessively tight. The front edge should sit about 1 inch above your eyebrows without sliding back. Push the helmet side-to-side and front-to-back to check the fit.
2. Be Cautious When Cycling Downhill
Cycling downhill is exhilarating but can be extremely dangerous. There are some steps you can take when cycling straight downhill to make the trip less perilous. However, when just starting out, it’s probably best to avoid the steep hills until you’re feeling more confident. Stick to lower inclines, take your time, and go slow.
3. Make Sure People Can See You
A large part of bicycle safety is making sure other people can see you. If other bikers can’t see you, you risk colliding and sustaining some nasty injuries. If drivers can’t see you, the consequences can be far more severe.
This is why it’s so important to make sure people can see you. Avoid biking at night if you can, and wear bright-colored hi-vis shirts while cycling. This will make you hard to miss, which is the goal!
Now you know our essential cycling safety tips for beginners. Craving more? Check out these top 10 common cycling mistakes to avoid. After all, knowing what not to do is a great way to improve, not to mention save you hassle and could even save your life!
