Summertime—the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and everywhere people are outside looking for fun summer activities. One wonderful summertime activity is riding a bicycle, an activity the whole family can enjoy. It is important, however, to keep safety in mind when getting the bicycles out of storage for the first time this summer season.
Here are five bicycle safety rules to stay safe on the road:
1. Always wear a helmet. This is the first and most important rule when riding a bicycle. It is essential to make sure your helmet is properly secured and that it sits low on the forehead, about an inch above the eyebrows. It is also important to make sure the padding of the helmet is in good condition.
2. Make sure you and your bicycle can be easily spotted. As the operator of the bicycle, wearing bright clothing is a very important rule. This includes making sure your bicycle has reflectors on both the front and back ends. This will ensure that other bicyclists and motorists will be able to see you and your bike, which is especially important at night or in foggy or rainy weather.
3. Maintain your bicycle’s equipment. Be sure to check your bicycle before your first ride and throughout the summer season to ensure that the brakes are working properly and that the tires are inflated correctly. It is also a good idea to have your bicycle serviced by a professional to be sure it is in proper working condition.
4. Make sure your bicycle is a good fit. A bicycle should fit you properly to ensure it is safe to ride. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there are one to two inches between the cyclist and the bar (top tube) of the bicycle. This rule is extended to three to four inches between the cyclist and the bar of the bicycle if using a mountain bike. Seat height is also important. The height should allow the knees to bend slightly when the leg is extended.
5. Watch for road hazards. When riding either on a bike path or on the road, be on the alert for any road hazards that can impede your riding. This can include puddles, rocks, loose tar, broken glass, and even other cyclists or animals. It is important to keep your eyes out for these potential dangers as they can cause accidents. This is also very important if riding with a group of cyclists. Whoever is riding in the lead position can alert other cyclists to these potential dangers on the road.
With summer season fast approaching, now is the time families, children, and cyclists alike will be getting those bikes ready. With these five bicycle safety rules in mind, not only will you have great cycling memories, but safe ones as well.
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If you or a loved one is the victim of a bicycle accident, please contact a personal injury lawyer to see how we might be able to help you. Many damages can be incurred from such an injury and we want to help you receive the compensation that you deserve. The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys stands ready to help you. Contact us today at (800) 222-8163 to see how we can help you.