Bicycle Safety Tips for the Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and with the warmer weather comes more pedestrians, cars, and people on the roads. Cyclists are especially glad for warmer months, as they can enjoy outdoor bike rides without having to worry about snow, sleet, ice, or other intense weather. However, just because the weather is warmer does not mean there are no inherent safety risks associated with biking in the summertime.

This article will go over some of the things you should look out for if you are planning on biking in the summer in order to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.

General Safety

First things first, it’s important not to neglect basic bicycle safety. This includes always wearing a helmet, as they prevent traumatic brain injuries and can also make you more visible to cars depending on its color scheme.

Additionally, remember to always follow traffic rules and signs, being aware at all times of your surroundings, pedestrians, and oncoming traffic. Generally, you want to be as visible as possible when riding a bicycle. This means it is a good idea to wear bright colors and use lights and/or reflectors on your bicycle.

Road Cycling Safety

If you are planning to ride a bicycle on the road this summer, there are a number of factors to consider. Because the summer months tend to be the busiest time of year for tourism, road cycling can become extremely dangerous depending on your location.

If you are in an area with a heavy tourist presence in the summer, being alert and aware of your surroundings is the most important safety tip. When offered to you, opt to ride in separate bike lanes rather than sharing the road with cars.

The Louisville personal injury attorneys at Hendy | Johnson | Vaughn | Emery say that most bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road. When cycling around motorists, your smartest course of action is to be a defensive rider. In other words, always assume that vehicles do not see you, so that you are ready to dodge any potential danger or safety hazard that comes your way. Additionally, use appropriate turn signals while on the road, and always follow the rules of the road.

Off-roading Cycling Safety

The summertime is also great for off-roading cycling such as trail and mountain biking. Many of the same rules apply in both road cycling and off-road cycling, but there are a few other safety tips that off-roading cyclists should always take into consideration.

Firstly, always make sure that you have your route planned out before embarking on your journey to avoid getting lost in the outdoors. This will make your ride both more safe, and stress-free. When biking in the outdoors and off the beaten path, make it a priority to use sun protection (preferably over SPF 30), stay as hydrated as possible (especially if you are dealing with higher temperatures), and consider taking your ride with a friend. In remote locations, having a cycling buddy can be life-saving, and it also adds a bonus of fun!

Overall, summertime cycling is one of the most fun activities you can do. You have the opportunity to get ample exercise, fresh-air, and possibly even a little bit of sight-seeing.

However, you must always consider the safety risk associated with cycling. By using some of the tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure safe and memorable rides for yourself for every summer season to come!