Cycling is a great form of exercise, and its fun. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Cycling can provide you with a lot of health benefits too. It improves your cardiovascular fitness so you'll have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Pedaling is low impact, so you can improve muscle tone without stressing your knee and ankle joints. It is also a great mode of transportation. You can save a lot of fuel, save the environment from getting polluted and you will have to pay no parking fees.
Like any outdoor activity, cycling has dangers that the rider should be aware of. Probably the biggest danger comes from sharing the road with cars. Although cycling is an activity that can be very beneficial in contributing towards a healthy lifestyle, it is important to realize that much cycling takes place on public roads shared with other vehicles. Cyclists need to know the basic skills and principles in cycling on the road. Cycling can be daunting to the novice cyclist especially on busy roads. By following a few basic safety measures, you can make cycling safer, more enjoyable, and much less stressful for yourself.
- Wear a helmet
Just as in case of motorcycles, bicycles also require helmets. Wear it every single time you go on ride. The helmet should sit on top of your head in a level position. The helmet should fit comfortably and not move when you jerk your head from side to side.
- Do initial checkup
Before going on the open roads, do an initial check up of the bike. Check if the brakes are working fine. Clean the reflectors. Check the air pressure in tires is adequate. Adjust the seat according to your height.
- Warm up before starting
Before undertaking the activity of cycling, always warm up your body so as to prevent muscle aches and spasms. Do 10 minutes warm up by jogging or by cycling at normal pace. This is necessary particularly before undertaking fast cycling.
- Always ride on the correct side of the road
You should always ride on the correct side (left side for India/UK and right side for US) of the street where there are less cars and more empty space. Don't go in the busy hi-speed lane as the traffic is very fast in that lane and might result in mishap.
- Obey traffic laws
Just because you are not in a car doesn't means traffic laws are not applicable to you. You must obey traffic laws. Obey stop signs and stop lights, and learn and follow all traffic laws and signals.
- Don't make sudden moves
Don't do anything that would surprise the driver of a car. Remember, the driver in the car might not be able to act quickly and if a mishap happens you are likely to be more hit than him. Signal other drivers when you are making a move. Learn all the local signals before heading on open road.
- Be visible
Sometimes it's hard for drivers to see bicyclists because of the size. It is extremely crucial, especially in the early morning as the daylight is low, to wear Bright-colored clothing when you ride and try to get a brightly-colored helmet so you'll be easier to spot.
- Be aware of the surrounding
Be aware of the conditions you are riding in. Ride defensively. Know what the other traffic is doing. Be prepared to maneuver for safety. Keep your eyes open as you never know which car might stop in front of you or who might open the door of a parked car. Always keep safe distance from a vehicle.
- Don't do stunts
Never hitch a ride on a moving vehicle, or do stunts or wheelies on a road with cars or trucks. Never ride with more than one person on a bike unless the bike has more than one seat.
A bicycle ceases to be a toy when it is used on the road. It is a vehicle and should be maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times. Owning and using your bicycle can open up a range of potential leisure activities. Even if travel is limited to going to and from work or school; the benefits of exercise and fresh air will improve your health and fitness.
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