Riding a bicycle is a good way to get exercise and fresh air. Biking is also good for the environment: riding a bike instead of driving a car reduces pollution and makes the air a little easier to breathe. When you're riding your bike, you should follow some important guidelines to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
Protective Gear
Before you get on your bicycle, put on your helmet. It won't provide adequate protection unless you wear it properly, so make sure you take the time to put it on the right way. The helmet should sit right on the top of your head, not tilted back or forward. Adjust the straps so they fit tightly under your chin when they're buckled. Never ride with your helmet unbuckled; it could fly off if you crash and leave your brain unprotected. Bicycling gloves protect your hands if you fall and provide a more comfortable grip on the handlebars.
The Right Fit
Make sure your bicycle is the right size for you. When you straddle your bike, you should be able to place both feet on the ground without your crotch touching the crossbar. If your bike is designed for women, with the dropped crossbar, you should be able to get on the seat without having to jump.
Observe the Rules of the Road
Always ride your bicycle with traffic. Use the bike lane if there is one available. Remember that your bicycle is a vehicle and you must observe all traffic signs and lights, just like you do when you drive a car. Stop at all stop signs and red lights, and don't attempt to cross the road if the light is red. Use hand signals to indicate when you're going to turn: hold your left arm straight out to indicate a left turn, and bend it at the elbow with your hand pointed up to show that you're turning right.
Be Visible
Wear white or light-colored clothing when you're riding your bike at night. During the day, wear bright clothing so that motorists and pedestrians can see you. Consider putting reflective tape on your clothing, helmet and shoes so that drivers can see you better in low light conditions. Install reflectors and lights on your bicycle for added visibility. When pulling out of one road and onto another, pull out far enough ahead of any oncoming cars that they'll be sure to see you and not have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting you.
Pay Attention
Keep your eyes on the road and your surroundings while riding your bicycle. People in parked cars can open doors suddenly, pedestrians can walk out in front of you, cars can turn without notice and small children and animals sometimes appear out of nowhere. Talking to other cyclists while you're riding can be distracting, as can using a cell phone while you ride. Riding with headphones on can keep you from hearing oncoming traffic, sirens, and other auditory cues that let you know what's going on around you.
Miscellaneous Tips
Don't ride your bicycle in baggy pants that can get caught in your chain. Tuck the ends of your pants legs into your socks or roll them up if necessary.
Don't let anyone ride on your handlebars or on the back of your bicycle with you.
Watch out for things like loose gravel, cracks in the road and puddles of water and oil.
Maintain your bicycle properly. Check the brakes, tires and chain frequently to make sure they're working like they should.
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