When you choose bike riding gear, think safety and comfort. You should wear a protective helmet, no matter how experienced a cyclist you may be --- accidents are unpredictable. You could be the safest rider on earth and still be injured by unexpected obstacles and moving objects --- including cars, animals, falling trees and other cyclists. You want to be highly visible, so outfit your bike with lights and reflectors, and wear bright-colored, comfortable clothing that allows full range of motion.
Head Gear
In 2009, the USA had 630 cyclist deaths, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. In 1975, there were 1,003 fatalities; the improvement can be traced to better cycling laws, education and headgear. Young riders remain susceptible to serious head injury, the leading cause of fatalities in cyclists ages 19 and under, at 62.2 percent, states the BHSI. High-speed crashes, car collisions, potholes, slippery surfaces and falling detritus are head-injury risks, and bike helmets are manufactured to optimize skull and brain protection. High-tech plastics, crushable metal foams and resilient cork and balsa are common helmet materials. Sports glasses and attachable helmet-visors protect your eyes and imrpove navigation. Helmets air vents help maintain a safe body temperature.
Some Very Bright Ideas
Your bicycle brings the mechanical advantage of speed but the disadvantage of reduced lateral agility --- meaning you cannot hop sideways out of harm's way. Reduce your risk of injury by helping others see you better. Deck out your bike with wheel and pedal reflectors, adhesive reflective strips and battery-driven lights. You can even purchase a head-lamp for your helmet. Fluorescent shirts, jackets and gloves might cost more but are excellent safety gear. Many bike stores offer all of these items in reduced-price sale bins.
Clothing Fit and Form
Never wear flapping materials around the lower legs because this material can get caught in the chain, pedals or wheels. Avoid wide pants legs, flowing coattails, skirts, floppy socks and long laces. Instead, select velcro-closured shoes, elasticized socks and close-fitting leg wear such as skin-tight cycling shorts with built-in seat padding. Other options include tights, sports leggings or even dress pants clipped or banded tight around the ankle. Choose flexible materials for your upper-body wear, since even cyclists move their torso and arms and must maintain full range of movement to steer and brake safely. Non-restrictive sleeves also allow you to use hand signals to indicate directional changes.
Summary of Bike Gear Goals
Thus, your cycling gear's goals are safety, visibility and fit. You need not wear the skin-tight, aerodynamic cycling gear worn by professional or competitive cyclists, but your cycling clothes must still be comfortable and safe so they do not distract you from your most important task: riding safely. Equip your bike with reflectors and lights, put on some comfortable, appropriate clothing and go out and enjoy the ride.
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