While accidents on the bike do happen and some roads are just not safe for biking, your safety and enjoyment on the road can be improved with a few tips:
- Master your cycling skills - While you can improve your fitness on the trainer, a stationary bike trainer does not allow you to identify and master your cycling skills like you can when you are riding in the elements and on all types of terrain. Learn how to change your gears, sit on the bike properly, stand up and adjust your position, grab your bottle (for hydration), break quickly, maneuver your bike in tight spaces, react smartly, descend, corner, stop/start on any terrain and ride confidently on your bike.
- Invest in the right gear - This goes beyond the obvious of getting a professional bike fit from a very experienced fitter if you are riding your bike for more than leisure. Your helmet, sunglasses, shoes and clothing should be very comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable in your gear, you are not going to be comfortable riding your bike for many miles. Visit your local bike store for bike-friendly gear and clothing.
- Obey the rules of the road - While we all want drivers to obey the rules of the road, cyclists should do the same. Learn the rules of the road in your community.
- Be remembered - If you are riding on the open road (not on a bike path/trail), you want every car to remember you as the "nice" cyclist - not the one who stuck out your middle finger, yelled at the car or disobeyed the rules of the road. Create a good image for the entire cycling community.
- Don't be a hypocrite - It's easy for a cyclist to complain about distracted drivers. But sadly, people who bike are also guilty of being distracted while riding. Whenever you are behind two wheels (not on two wheels), take the same actions as you'd like others to do while in the car.
- Be alert - It's important to be alert to your surroundings. Always look what's slightly in front of you, paying attention to cars, dogs, squirrels, branches, potholes and any other distractions. Plan your routes accordingly to minimize riding in unsafe areas. If you like to listen to music, do so on a safe trail (free of cars) and keep the volume low so you can hear people around you.
- Keep your bike tuned-up - A clean and well-tuned bike is a happy bike. A proper tune-up doesn't mean simply cleaning the chain and wiping off the grease, dirt and sweat. To ensure safety while riding, make sure the bike is fully rideable at all times (bolts, bearings, wheels, brakes, tires, cleats, pedals, cables, etc.). Your bike should always be in proper riding condition and if not, don't ride outside. Your local bike shop can teach you how to best maintain your bike.
- Have fun! - It would be a shame if the only time you are allowed to ride a bike outside is when you are a kid and only in the neighborhood with your parents watching. While a stationary bike trainer is an effective tool for specific bike training and for riding your bike at any time of the day, no matter the outside weather conditions, riding a bike outside is fun. Let's keep riding fun. It's easy on the body as it is non-weight bearing and it allows you to be impressed in nature. Riding a bike is freedom in the great outdoors.
- Be the change you want to see - If you aren't happy with your current cycling community, safety or riding conditions, get involved with your community.
“Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride.”
– Eddy Merckx
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