Seven Cycling Tips

7 helpful tips that will make your cycling day a safer adventure

1. Check out your bike. beofre heading out for a ride always take a quick look at your bike. Are the brake pads making contact with the rim and not the rubber of the wheel? Are the gears moving easily? Is any part of the frame rusty or bent? Prevent danger to yourself and others by ensuring your bike is in good working order.

2. Lights and reflectors. Many bike accidents occur at dusk or at night because riders are not easily visible to car drivers. With reflectors, a car's headlights can spot you and keep you from being the next casualty. Place them on the front and back wheels ,attached to the spokes and on the front and back of the frame.

3. Wear a helmet. The law says- wear a helmet - at least in most countries. Head injuries are nearly always fatal when talking about bike and motorcycle accidents. All bike riders need a properly fitting helmet to protect their head. A broken arm is a better option than head trauma!!

4. Clothing -Wear bright colours or a reflective vest. A flat tyre on a dark night makes it very important you have reflective clothing on? Even car drivers are hard to see at night when changing a flat tire. It keeps you out of danger when riding at night.

5. Road rules. Follow the same traffic laws as cars. Bike riders are supposed to ride with traffic and to ride in the lane such that vehicles can easily pass Unless you are in a dedicated cycling lane, don't not ride 2-4 abreast, hoping to drop back to single lane riding when a car or truck comes. Remember your doing 20-40 kph, whilst a car or truck a car/ truck is doing 100 kph.!! Courtesy is most often just common sense.

6. Use hand signals. Some think its "nerdy" to do so ! It's actually commonsense and safety all in one. Even if you are in a turning lane, it is helpful to use bike hand signals to let car drivers know your intentions. Hold your left arm straight out to indicate a left turn. A right turn is signalled with your left arm bent upwards at a ninety degree angle or your right arm straight out. To let drivers know that you are stopping, bend your left arm downwards at a ninety degree angle.

7. Tool Kits -Carry a tool kit with you. A basic tool kits is included with most new bikes. You might need to add a few things but your tool kit needs to contain items to get you going again to reach an area where you can get help. Become familiar with the tools and how to use them before your first ride.

Remember these 7 safety tips when you set out on your bike ride. You want to have an enjoyable time away from danger. Bike riders can get into "debates" with car drivers- and mostly the reason is - lack of courtesy - from all sides.