Cycling is a popular way to get around and stay in shape, but it's important for cyclists to prioritize safety. It's an eco-friendly mode of transportation, but accidents can happen, so it's important to be cautious.

Whether you've been cycling for a while or just starting out, it's important to follow safety tips to make your rides enjoyable and minimize the chance of accidents.

If you're all set to start a new cycling routine, keep reading for tips on staying safe and making the most of your ride.

Check Your Bike

Before you go for a bike ride, it's important to make sure your bike is in good condition. Regular maintenance checks can prevent problems and accidents. Start by checking the tire pressure to make sure it's right for your bike. This will help improve performance and reduce the chance of getting a flat tire.

Next, check the brakes to make sure they work well. Squeeze the brake levers to see if they respond and if the brakes work effectively. If you notice any issues, it's important to fix them right away for your safety.

Lastly, check the gears to ensure they change smoothly without any problems. Keeping your gears in good shape will make it easier to ride on different terrains.

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet is really important for safety. It can stop you from getting a serious head injury if you fall or have an accident.

A study in 2019 found that only 22% of the 76,000 bicyclists who suffered head or neck injuries were wearing a helmet. However, wearing a helmet could help prevent many of these injuries. Research from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute shows that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

Helmets not only protect your head but also can prevent brain injuries, facial injuries, and even death. Make sure your helmet fits well and meets safety standards. It's worth investing in a good quality helmet for the protection it offers.

Use Reflective Gear

Improving visibility is very important for people who ride bikes, especially when it's dark. Wearing reflective gear makes you easier to see for drivers, which can help prevent accidents.

During winter mornings, it's a good idea to wear reflective gear like vests and armbands, as well as headlamps for better visibility during workouts. If you're biking, make sure to have lights on your bike for safety on the road.

Install Lights and Mirrors

Increasing visibility on your bike is important for staying safe, especially when riding during dawn, dusk, or at night. Adding front and rear lights can help make you more noticeable to other people on the road, and also improve your ability to see ahead of you.

Mirrors, whether attached to your bike or helmet, provide the convenience of being able to monitor traffic behind you without having to turn your head, thus reducing blind spots. Mirrors are a cost-effective feature that can help you navigate those tricky blind spots on the road.

Check for Fit and Roadworthiness

Riding a bike can lead to discomfort, lower backaches, and knee pain if the bike is not fitted properly. To prevent injuries and ensure your safety, it's important to adjust the saddle height and setback, as well as the reach and drop of the handlebars to match your specific neuromuscular needs.

New research shows that when fitting a bike, it's important to take into account the cyclist’s leg length and hamstring flexibility. The general rule for setting the saddle height is to aim for a knee angle of 25 to 35 degrees when the pedal and foot are at the bottom and center of the stroke. This can help create a more comfortable and efficient riding position.

Keep to the Bike Lane or Path

Whenever you can, try to stay out of traffic by using bike lanes or designated bike paths. Bike lanes are marked with signs and symbols and are just for people on bikes. They usually go in the same direction as car traffic.

These devices make sure you stay safe by lowering the chance of accidents, especially in busy city areas, and help traffic to move more smoothly. It's best to use main roads, and the lanes marked for bikes to stay safe.

Follow Traffic Laws

Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers, and it's important for everyone to stay safe by obeying traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules.

For example, the U.S. has laws in place that cyclists must follow the same as drivers. These rules are in place for the safety of yourself and others.

• Ride on the right-hand side of the road.
• Yield to crossing traffic.
• Maintain at least three feet from traffic, if the lane is wide enough to share.
• Abide by all street signs road markings, and signals.

Be Weather-Aware

Weather conditions can significantly impact road safety for cyclists. Rain, snow, and strong winds can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.

During extreme heat or freezing temperatures that create icy roads, it's best for new riders to stay indoors and use a stationary bike. When it's hot outside, remember to wear sunscreen and sunglasses for protection against the sun.

Before you go out, make sure to check the weather forecast. Wear waterproof clothes and anti-slip gear if needed. Adjust your speed and how you ride based on the weather so you can stay in control of your bike.

Know Your Limits

Always remember that it's okay to challenge yourself, but it's equally important to know your limits. Pushing beyond what you can handle can result in accidents and injuries. By staying within your limits, you can enjoy cycling safely and confidently.

A GPS bike computer and a heart rate monitor can help you understand how your body reacts to the ride. Keeping track of your speed, cadence, heart rate or even your power helps you find the right pace, so you can push yourself without overdoing it.