Riding a bicycle allows you to experience a cardiovascular workout while building strong leg muscles. However, cycling requires you to take to the roads, which can result in traffic accidents with cars or bicycle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, cyclist deaths represent 2 percent of all traffic-related deaths each year. Bicycle safety means you should wear the proper safety equipment while always being conscious of your surroundings and roadblocks that may result in a crash.
Wear a Helmet that Fits
Wearing a helmet every time you ride your bicycle is important. However, if the helmet does not fit, it will not effectively protect you in the event of a crash. If your helmet has been with you through a previous bike crash, it's time to replace it. Your helmet should provide the proper padding to protect your brain in the event of a crash--a helmet that has been in a bicycle crash before may not provide this for you.
When you put on your helmet, there are a few checks you can perform to ensure your helmet fits properly. Start by putting two finger underneath your chin strap--can you fit both or is there room for even more? Your chin strap should have just enough give to allow one to two fingers to fit underneath, yet no more than this. Now take a look at where the visor part of the helmet rests. If it rocks forward while you look down or you cannot place two fingers between your eyebrows and the helmet, your helmet is too big. Your helmet should fit snugly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration--if it moves too much, it can impede your vision or move too much to protect you.
Clothes Matter
When it comes to staying safe on your bicycle, you have to see and be seen. If your standard workout clothing involves all black, it's time to brighten your wardrobe. Bright yellow, orange or pink are all vibrant, easy-to-see colors, according to Kids Health. Adding reflectors to your clothing or bicycle can enhance your ability to be seen.
Before you set foot on your bike, check every item of your clothing and think about the possibility of getting something caught in your tires or bike chain. This includes shoes--sandals or flip-flops can get caught. Sneakers should be worn instead.
Work with Drivers, Not Against Them
While cyclists are regarded as similar to a car when on the road, it's important for a cyclist to realize the practical applications of this principle. For example, while a cyclist may know the rules of the road, a car driver may not know these. The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends making eye contact with drivers when changing lanes or turning in order to convey you are turning. Using hand signals also means can signal car drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists that you are turning.
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