Are you riding a Bicycle, Are You Riding Safely?

Bicycle Safety

With Social distancing guidelines and lack of gathering places

People more and more are spending time on outdoor activities.

I have observed increasing numbers of cyclist’s around Milford as well as other Communities.

I notice these things as for years I have been an avid Cyclist, I have run Southern CT cycling club in the 1990’s and worked on the 1999 New Haven ave World Haven Special Olympics’ Cycling venue ., and participated in running and cycling in several other events. Over the years I have logged a few thousand miles on my Bikes and also have had my share of crashes, road burn and Injury. In a fall from a bicycle most common injuries are from impact, causing scrapes, road burn, breaks and worst case head injury

One crash I hit the road at 21 MPH and shattered my collarbone and broke my Helmet upon impact.

Broke the helmet bad but my head was intact with no injury.

My helmet manufacturer replaced the helmet as part of their guarantee. At that time I gave presentations on the need for wearing a helmet while cycling and promoted Bicycle safety.

I am now observing many new cyclists on the roads. Many riding unsafely and are accidents waiting to happen.

Accidents happen especially if you are a new cyclist, and not a regular rider.

I observe new cyclist as well as younger adolescents that are not safely attired, many are badly attired,

and are making no effort to be visible, especially at dusk or evenings.

Some simple safety precautions can mean the difference between being hit by a vehicle or sustaining

minor vs serious injury.

I am attaching some basic guidelines here are some safety hints to follow.

• 1. Wear a Helmet.
• 2. Safety gear. Bike
• 3. ATTIRE
• 4. Keep your bike serviced.

Fit Bike to rider.

• One Size does not fit all and can cause physical injury to rider.
• Learn to shift your bike so that you always pedal your optimum cadence.
• Further resources : https://www.ibike.org/education/safety-materials.htm
• Cycling Helmets

1. New helmets have reflectors and even lighting.
2. Top end bike helmets can connect to your phone and enable communication between cyclists.
3. A helmet is cheap insurance to protect your head.

1. Reflectors on bike.
2. Spoke LED's, look cool and provide high visibility.
3. Lighting, red blinkers.
4. Water bottle if planning longer rides.
5. You also an upgrade to a more comfortable shock absorbing seat for comfort( can be a great investment) They provide shock and pressure relief on your hands.

Dress For Visibility

1. BE SEEN. Wear bright visible clothes or at least as visibility vest.
2. Wear reflective attire at evening or dusk.
3. Gloves provide padding and cramps when taking longer rides,
4. Most importantly in a fall prevent scrapes to hands.
5. DO not wear dark clothing in low light conditions.( I see so much of this )

Tires.

1. Keep inflated properly.

2. Low tire pressure makes you work twice as hard to pedal and can be hazardous.

3. Seat height is Critical for any rider.

4. Improper seat height can blow out or damage your knees, and make pedaling harder.

5. Riding position can mean difference between a enjoyable ride or after ride.

10 SMART RULES TO BIKE SAFETY

Act like a Car Drivers are used to the patterns of other drivers. Don’t weave in and out of traffic. The more predictably you ride, the safer you are. Check for traffic. Be aware of traffic around you.

1. Wear A Helmet.

2. Stay Visible If drivers can see you, they are less likely to hit you. Use lights when biking at night or in low-light conditions.

3. Don’t Get Distracted Don’t listen to music or talk on the phone while riding.

4. Look, Signal & Look Again Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going. Look and make eye contact. Don’t assume drivers will stop.

5. Obey all Traffic Laws & Lights

6. Stay Alert Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.

7. Assure Bicycle Readiness Is your bicycle properly adjusted? Is your saddle in a comfortable position

8. Go with the Flow Bike in the direction of traffic.

9. Do a Quick Bicycle Test Check your brakes and your wheels.

Make sure that “quick release” wheels are properly secured.

Be Aware, Ride Safely

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