Most adults in the United States can look back to a time in their lives when a bike was their primary mode of transportation around their neighborhoods.  But like other mementos of childhood, these simple vehicles have long been abandoned for more comfortable and convenient modes of travel. Recently, because of resurgence in the focus on physical fitness, many of us have begun flocking to our local bike stores to pick up a new set of wheels to fit our grown-up lifestyles. In addition to knowing how to Choose Your Bike, you also need to know how to keep yourself safe.

Ilan Paltrow, a cycling enthusiast and bike shop owner, said the most critical aspect of bike safety is awareness. “So keep your eyes and your ears open. Wearing an iPod on the bike is a very bad idea because it closes off one of the most critical senses you have—listening to things coming at you. Being aware is not just looking at the road in front of you, but it’s scanning all the time, looking left and right, looking for cars, almost softening your focus so you can actually pay attention to everything around you.”

You also need to budget for some essential cycling safety equipment. A helmet tops the list. Ilan explained, “A helmet needs to be well fit on your head. It can be ventilated so it’s not hot, but a helmet needs to be sitting right above your forehead, not way back on your head and not way forward obscuring your vision.” The helmet also needs to be CPSC certified—the national standard in the United States—and if you’re buying used, it should be less than three years old.  That’s because the polystyrene can break down over time and it can become unsafe. 

Other safety equipment to consider installing on your bike includes:

• Flashing lights:  Unlike a reflector, a red flashing light on the back of your bike gives you 180-degree visibility. A flashing light and a regular light on the front will give you a lot more visibility in the front as well.
• Mirrors:  They can help you see what’s going on behind you and keep you from panicking when someone’s coming up upon you fast.

Cycling apparel also can help you stay safe, but before you purchase it, consider how you plan to ride your bike. Ilan said, “If you’re going to just ride to the coffee shop, you can generally wear just your casual clothing. A reflective vest might be a nice thing to add to that.” However, if you plan to go for long rides on your mountain bike or road bike, he recommends snug fitting synthetic clothing because it keeps your muscles in shape and helps your performance. Bright clothing with reflective piping makes you more visible on the road.

In addition, well-fitted gloves will keep your hands cool and prevent your nerves from becoming numb from constant contact with the handlebars. Ilan added, “Shoes are also important because they’re a big contact point with the bike too and if you’re pushing really hard on the pedals for a long time, your feet can go numb.”

It’s also safer to go biking with a group, because you’ll be easier for motorists to spot and you can help each other look out for approaching traffic and obstacles.  You’ll find biking groups and clubs such as The League of American Cyclists posted in your local newspapers and online.

From an interview with:
Ilan Paltrow
Owner, Bicycle Sport
Charlotte, NC
www.bicyclesport.com

Written by:
Kay Jones Lewis
Editor
Wellness Coalition America