Cycling is a healthy aerobic exercise that's fun for people of all ages. Despite its health benefits, serious injuries can occur when riders fail to follow safety precautions. The clothing and safety gear worn during a bike ride can mean the difference between a minor scrape and permanent injuries. Wear appropriate biking gear to increase comfort and performance while reducing the risk of injury.
Helmet
A helmet is the single most important piece of safety gear to wear when biking. According to Kids Health, nearly half a million children suffer serious biking injuries each year, a majority of which could be prevented by wearing a helmet. A properly fitting helmet protects against trauma that can cause permanent brain damage or death and should be worn during each ride. When selecting a helmet, Kids Health suggests choosing a brightly colored ventilated helmet that sits evenly on the head and fastens under the chin.
Additional Safety Gear
While helmets are vital for preventing head trauma, they do nothing to stop injuries to other parts of the body. According to the Bike Helmet Safety Institute, gloves are the second most used piece of biking attire among cyclists. In addition to keeping hands warm in cold temperatures, gloves absorb pressure from handles on bumpy rides and protect the hands from injury in accidents. Meanwhile, a mouth guard can save teeth from damage in the event of a wreck, while sunglasses with UV protection help shield the eyes from harmful rays.
Clothing
When it comes to choosing biking attire, function should come before fashion. Brightly colored gear increases your visibility to motorists and other bikers to help prevent accidents. Orange, hot pink and red are effective color choices for daytime rides, while reflective material is best for riding at night. Clothing should allow the skin to breathe and be suitable for weather conditions. Before riding, check your clothing for loose straps, strings and other hanging objects that could get caught in the chain.
Footwear
Proper footwear allows for good pedal grip, which keeps your feet from slipping off the pedals when cycling. Comfortable sneakers are the best choice for bike riding, while sandals and flip-flops should be avoided. Riding barefoot is also unsafe and can result in painful foot injuries. To prevent shoestrings from getting caught in the bike chain, tie them in a knot or choose sneakers with Velcro straps instead.
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