Beginner Biker? Tips for Safety and Confidence

If you are new to the biking community, it can be a little bit intimidating. There is a lot of information out there regarding cycling, what you should buy, what you should or shouldn’t do, and more. This article should be a good starting point for you if you’re a beginner biker and looking for some simple tips and tricks for confidence as you explore the world of biking.

Basic Bike Safety Tips

The most important thing to remember when biking is safety; and there are numerous steps you must follow to ensure your own. First and foremost, always wear a helmet. You can purchase a bicycle helmet at large sporting department stores, bicycle stores, and online.

Helmets protect your head from serious brain injuries such as concussions in the event of a bicycle accident. The personal injury lawyers at Haffner & Morgan LLP say that bicycle accidents are a leading cause of brain injuries. When buying a helmet, make sure that it fits properly around your head.

Secondly, it is important that you understand bicycle/road laws if you are planning on biking on the open road. Depending on the state in which you reside, bicycle laws will differ. For more information on the bicycle laws in your state, you can visit this page.

Lastly, wear bright colors and stay as visible as possible when you’re cycling. Having visible lights on the back and front of your bike is essential for low-visibility and evening conditions. Doing this will ensure that pedestrians, cars, and other cyclists will be able to easily spot you.

Bike Accident Statistics to Know

According to the NHTSA, 938 people were killed in bike accidents in 2020. Although only a small percentage of the U.S. population are avid bikers, they are still involved with a large amount of car and traffic accidents every year. Below are some important bike accident statistics you should be aware of as you embark on your biking journey.

• Most bicycle accidents (64%) occur around intersections where higher speeds are more common
• Adults in the age group of 55-69 are the age group most affected by bicycle accidents
• Around 130,000 people around the country are injured in bicycle accidents each year
• Male bicyclists are more 6x more likely to be killed in a bike accident as compared to female bicyclists

How to Boost Your Confidence on the Bike

There are truly endless possibilities when it comes to confidence building in cycling, but this article will lay out a few options to consider if you’re looking to up your game.

• Join a Local Cycling/Bike Club: In a biking club, you can meet people with similar interests, as well as mentors for your riding. This also gives you an opportunity to find a biking buddy which will provide some motivation and extra fun into cycling.
• Choosing the Right Bike: Make sure that your bike is one that fits your needs as a cyclist. For example, if you are getting into mountain biking, make sure you have a mountain bike instead of a road bike and vice versa.
• Start Small and Build Up: As you start biking, begin by riding short routes on flat surfaces. As you gain confidence, then you can incorporate longer routes and more difficult terrain. Starting on long, hilly routes will set you up for failure and hurt your confidence.
• Take a Class: You can sign up for bike classes that focus on riding technique. Additionally, many bike shops offer classes regarding bike maintenance and repair, so you can learn how to properly care for your bike.

Another underrated way to gain confidence is in wearing the correct apparel. Having comfortable, functional, and breathable bike attire is crucial. For longer rides, you want to have something you can wear all day without the urge to take it off. Invest in high quality bike clothing that will have little chance in getting caught in the chain or wheels; biker shorts are great for this. Additionally, closed toed shoes are a must for biking.

Beginner Biking Takeaways

Biking is an amazing way to get outdoors for exercise, exploring nature, sightseeing, and overall health. As the sport grows, many beginner riders need guidance.

If you are starting your journey as a biker, remember that safety should always be your number one priority. Invest in a good helmet, and be sure to always wear it when you’re on the bike. Don’t be afraid to join a biking community to get you started, and remember to take it slow and steady at the beginning.

Regularly maintain your bike to ensure that it’s always in working order. Checking the air pressure of your tires, the state of your brakes, and the state of your gears is important before each ride.

By following the safety and confidence-building tips in this article, you can enjoy all of the great benefits of cycling while minimizing the chance of injuries and accidents. Remember to be aware of your surroundings, wear proper gear, and follow the rules of the road. Happy riding!