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Bicycle Riding: How To Minimize The Risk Of Getting Injured

Posted by Art on Jul 7, 2010 in Biking

Cyclists, no matter how careful they get, still is susceptible to getting injured while riding. Accidents may happen, especially when driving on a busy road or perilous terrain. It’s vital that one’s safety is maintained at all costs. And this is when having the right protective gears and knowing road rules step into the picture.

Although protective wear will not prevent injuries from happening, they can lessen their severity. Wearing appropriate garments for bike riding, such as Pearl Izumi shorts and a matching top isn’t enough. These garments give you a certain level of protection all right, but there are other must-haves to be worn with them.

Wearing a helmet keeps your head from sustaining critical injuries. Studies have concluded that head injuries are reduced by 60 percent when a helmet is worn during a bicycling crash. However, it’s not enough that you put on any helmet type. Go for one that’s specifically designed for cycling. Look for that sticker or label saying it meets strict standards.

There are other essential gears such as shatter proof goggles and gloves. If you’re a beginner or if you’re going in the direction of extreme sports, you should have additional ones. Some of them include shin guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and the likes. Shoes specifically for cycling are also available, for comfort and extra safety.

Your bicycle should also have accessories that are meant to keep you out of harm’s way. Your Schwinn mountain bike or BMX may not come fully accessorized. If you intend to ride at night at times, it’s important for your bicycle to have front and rear lights. Installing reflectors will also make you more visible to motorists. Then there are also mirrors and horns available.

Aside from wearing protective gears, knowing certain road rules will add to your safety when taking your bicycle out. See to it that you ride in a straight line and always use hand signals when turning or stopping. Behave like you’re also riding a car and drive defensively. Sometimes, common sense is important, such as avoiding busy roads for your own good.

Having a personal trainer is essential if you’re planning on becoming a professional cyclist. He or she will coach you the right way, each time your skill level advances. However, it’s not constantly that there’s someone to guide you while riding. Putting on proper protective gears and abiding by road rules will help minimize your risk of getting in an accident or injured.

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Bicycle Riding: How To Minimize The Risk Of Getting Injured

Posted by Art on Jul 7, 2010 in Biking

Cyclists, no matter how careful they get, still is susceptible to getting injured while riding. Accidents may happen, especially when driving on a busy road or perilous terrain. It’s vital that one’s safety is maintained at all costs. And this is when having the right protective gears and knowing road rules step into the picture.

Although protective wear will not prevent injuries from happening, they can lessen their severity. Wearing appropriate garments for bike riding, such as Pearl Izumi shorts and a matching top isn’t enough. These garments give you a certain level of protection all right, but there are other must-haves to be worn with them.

Wearing a helmet keeps your head from sustaining critical injuries. Studies have concluded that head injuries are reduced by 60 percent when a helmet is worn during a bicycling crash. However, it’s not enough that you put on any helmet type. Go for one that’s specifically designed for cycling. Look for that sticker or label saying it meets strict standards.

There are other essential gears such as shatter proof goggles and gloves. If you’re a beginner or if you’re going in the direction of extreme sports, you should have additional ones. Some of them include shin guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and the likes. Shoes specifically for cycling are also available, for comfort and extra safety.

Your bicycle should also have accessories that are meant to keep you out of harm’s way. Your Schwinn mountain bike or BMX may not come fully accessorized. If you intend to ride at night at times, it’s important for your bicycle to have front and rear lights. Installing reflectors will also make you more visible to motorists. Then there are also mirrors and horns available.

Aside from wearing protective gears, knowing certain road rules will add to your safety when taking your bicycle out. See to it that you ride in a straight line and always use hand signals when turning or stopping. Behave like you’re also riding a car and drive defensively. Sometimes, common sense is important, such as avoiding busy roads for your own good.

Having a personal trainer is essential if you’re planning on becoming a professional cyclist. He or she will coach you the right way, each time your skill level advances. However, it’s not constantly that there’s someone to guide you while riding. Putting on proper protective gears and abiding by road rules will help minimize your risk of getting in an accident or injured.

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How To Ride Your Bicycle Safely

Posted by Jeff on Dec 19, 2008 in Sports And Fitness
John Myre asked:


John was following his doctor’s orders. The 50-something executive was taking his daily bicycle ride to improve his health. This evening, though, he altered his routine and opted for a more scenic route along a narrow, winding, two-lane road near his home.

With no shoulders, the road left no margin for error, however, and John was hit by a motorist who was trying to pass him. In trying to prolong his life, John inadvertently cut it short.

Each year, about 500,000 people require emergency room treatment due to bicycle crashes, and about 800 people die. Approximately 75 percent of the deaths result from a head injury. Following are some simple, easy-to-follow guidelines that will keep the pleasure in biking.

Use The Proper Gear

* The proper helmet can reduce head injuries by about 85 percent. Always wear a helmet with a label stating that it meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. Select a helmet that fits snugly and sits flat on your head.

* Discard a helmet after it sustains a blow. Even a slight blow can affect impact-absorbing foam.

* Take a safety course. One organization offering courses for all ages is the League of American Bicyclists at (202) 822-1333, or their website.

* Know and obey traffic regulations, signs, signals, and markings.

* Ride a bicycle that “fits” your body and riding needs. You should be able to stand over the top tube, with the tube one or two inches below your crotch. Find a qualified salesperson to help you determine which bicycle, safety features, and accessories are best for you.

* Before riding, make sure all the parts are secure and working.

* Check your brakes before stepping onto your bicycle, and keep them properly adjusted.

* Wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day. Be more visible by flying an orange flag from the back of your bike.

* Never wear headphones.

* Use a rearview mirror.

Take A Balanced Approach

* Find a safe place to ride. Many cities or bicycle clubs have maps of recommended routes.

* Cycle defensively. More than 70 percent of car-bicycle accidents occur at driveways or intersections. Expect a car to pull out from a side street, or turn left in front of you.

* If traffic is heavy, walk your bike across an intersection.

* Make eye contact with drivers, and signal your intentions.

* Cycle with the flow of traffic, and never against it.

* In a group, it’s best to ride single file, unless you are off the road, or on quiet, secondary roads.

* Don’t carry passengers or items that interfere with your control.

* Stay alert at all times. Look out for hazardous surfaces or obstacles in your path, such as potholes, loose gravel, manhole covers, cracks, railroad tracks, or wet leaves.

* Leave at least three feet of distance when passing parked cars to avoid doors being opened.

* Be predictable. Maintain a straight line when you’re cruising.

* Stay at least three feet to the right of cars if you can. If there is a wide, clean shoulder, use it.

* Watch for pedestrians, especially kids or animals that might dart in front of you. If a dog chases you, stop, dismount, and use your bike as a shield.

* Before turning, look back, check all directions for traffic, and use hand signals.

* Avoid provocative actions that might irritate drivers.

* When in danger, shout!

* The bike will be less stable with a child in a seat. A cart towed by a bike is far safer. Plan to go slower, take turns gently, and avoid busy streets.

* Carry loads at the rear of the bike in cases designed for bicycles.

Riding After Dark

* Avoid biking at night. It is far more dangerous than riding during the day. Most bicycles need to be adapted for nighttime use.

* Add the brightest lights and largest reflectors you can find to the front and rear or your bicycle.

* Wear retro-reflective clothes or material, especially on your ankles, wrists, back, and helmet. White or fluorescent are not good enough.

* Ride only in familiar areas. Streets with bright lighting are best.

* Always assume that a driver does not see you.



Harsten

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