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Drivers should share the road, but that won't always happen. What you can do is go slowly enough that you could stop or give the right of way at a moment’s notice.
Never ride with headphones on or an earpiece in. You need to hear everything you possibly can around you.
By slowing down, you'll be able to get through them safely.
Wear bright and reflective clothing, especially in the early morning, late at night, or on cloudy days.
If you find yourself without a patch kit or phone, cash is a great last resort for catching a cab or public transport home.
This is especially important for long rides and if you're mountain biking.
Your cell phone can come in real handy during emergencies. Also, if something bad happens to you, your ID will help emergency responders know who you are.
Learning to patch up your own flat tire can prevent you from being stranded in an unsafe or remote location.
When you’re traveling at high speeds, it’s hard to tell exactly where a person is looking. Rely more on a driver’s overall behavior than on eye contact.
This will help you keep better balance and let you brake faster in case of emergency.
When you’re cycling, getting there in one piece is more important than getting there faster. Choose roads that are wide or have dedicated bike lanes.
You should still learn to look over your shoulder without swerving, but mirrors provide an extra help at all times.
Respect the lane directions and don’t ride straight through a right-turn-only lane.
Bike safety rules can vary from country to country and even city to city, so make sure you're up-to-date with them.
On the rare occasion that a car ahead of you is moving slower than you are, don't glide past on the right side. The driver won't see you, and this could be dangerous.
Just like a car, obey street signs, signals, and road markings.
Wear waterproof gear if needed. You might also carry a small backpack to hold extra lightweight layers.
Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, especially on the back of your neck and your arms. Alternatively, wear long sleeves with breathable fabric.
Learn about the most common cyclist-motorist collisions and how you should avoid them.
It doesn't matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work!
Riding against traffic makes it impossible to make a right turn. On top of that, it's a major safety hazard.
Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs, so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
Two cyclists are more visible than one. Plus, if something happens, it should be easier for one of you to facilitate the emergency response process.
This goes back to staying visible. It’s also required by law in many places.
Pedestrians are also part of traffic. Always make sure you watch out for them.
Sources: (CDC) (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Signal a left turn or lane change by holding your left arm out to the left side of your body. For a right turn, signal with your right arm.
While helmets aren't guaranteed to save your life, they do tremendously reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash.
When eye contact fails, try waving an arm, yelling, or ringing a bell to get a driver’s attention.
As bicyclists and motorists share the roads, they both have to obey traffic laws and respect each other's rights. Yet as one might imagine, when an accident does happen, the cyclist is more likely to get injured. But while we can't predict everything, there are ways to diminish bicycle injuries and deaths.
From understanding how to drive defensively, to making sure you have the right attire on, click on for the bicycle safety tips you just have to know.
Bicycle safety: how to stay safe while biking
Stay safe with these top tips!
LIFESTYLE Bicycle day
As bicyclists and motorists share the roads, they both have to obey traffic laws and respect each other's rights. Yet as one might imagine, when an accident does happen, the cyclist is more likely to get injured. But while we can't predict everything, there are ways to diminish bicycle injuries and deaths.
From understanding how to drive defensively, to making sure you have the right attire on, click on for the bicycle safety tips you just have to know.