One of the best ways to keep fit and healthy while also benefiting the planet is to get on a bicycle. Many people feel like it’s not worth getting on a bike because they may be treated like second-class citizens on the road, but legally, we have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. So if you are looking to start cycling safely and healthily, what are some of the things you need to consider?
Remember the Basic Rules of the Road
Many auto accident lawyers find themselves having to deal with a multitude of cycling accidents, not just because of aggressive drivers, but also due to the fact that the cyclists didn’t follow the basic rules of the road. You must remember to yield to other vehicles and go with the flow of traffic, but also make sure that you wear visible clothing with reflective patches or tape. And if it’s not so obvious, wear a helmet!
Focus on Your Riding Technique
One of the best things we can all do to be healthier and happier on the road is to focus on our riding technique. Many beginner cyclists don’t have the balance, which means they end up swerving around obstacles. If you want to be a good cyclist, you need to maintain a straight course and pedal strongly. One of the best pieces of advice any cyclist can have is to be predictable because when cyclists are trying to navigate the road with other vehicles behind, we can’t make any sudden movements because this could put us in a very dangerous position.
Choosing the Safest Situation for You
Many people like the challenge of riding on the highway or a high-speed road, but only do so if you are comfortable and confident. When you are cycling on high-speed roads you need to brace yourself for any passing vehicles like large trucks. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for passing vehicles is to grip the handlebars firmly, move to the far right as possible, and lower your body to lessen the impact of wind resistance as the wind from any passing vehicle can pull a cyclist forwards. Additionally, you should maintain that sense of alertness. Many people go cycling with very little awareness of what is around them. Some of the things you can do to improve your road awareness include:
- Make friendly eye contact with other drivers.
- Be alert to the changes in your surroundings, such as the weather, road gradient, and speed limits.
- Stay away from the blind spots of the drivers.
- Communicate your intentions to other road users as much as possible, such as by using hand signals.
Do Your Best To Avoid Wobbling
Such a simple thing, but if you are wobbling and are displaying timid behavior, this will make other drivers nervous, so be self-assured and you will command your space more effectively.
Cycling is an amazing hobby. If you keep at it, you will be healthier, but you should remember that there is much more to cycling than just putting one foot in front of the other and hanging onto the handlebars.
