Although you cannot predict what other motorists will do, there are proactive steps you can take when sharing the road with other vehicles. Consider following these tips to stay safe while riding your bike:
* Wear a helmet. Make sure your bicycle helmet is fitted correctly, and it clasps securely under your chin.
* Ensure that your bicycle is fitted correctly to your body size. If you are riding a road bike, you should leave 1 to 2 inches of space between yourself and the top bar. If you are riding a mountain bike, there should be 3 to 4 inches of space between yourself and the top bar. Adjust the seat height as needed. It should be on the same plane as the handlebars.
* Make yourself visible. No matter what time of day or night you are riding, it’s essential to ensure that you are visible on your bike. Never assume that other motorists can see you. You should wear bright clothing, such as fluorescent yellow or orange, to make yourself more visible.
* Inspect your equipment. Ensure all of your bicycle equipment is in good working order before you get on the road.
* Be wary of riding after dark. Riding a bike at night is much more dangerous than during the day. Motorists sometimes fail to notice bicyclists during the day, but low visibility compounds this issue after dark. If you must ride at night, you should wear a reflective vest and use flashing lights. You can also add reflectors to your tires to increase your visibility.
* Be on the lookout for road hazards. Bicyclists are much more vulnerable to road hazards than motorists are. If you’re biking, you must watch out for hazards such as potholes, debris, loose gravel, leaves, and more. If you’re riding in a group and encounter a hazard, you should shout back to the rest of the group and alert them of the threat.
* Maintain control of your bike. You should keep at least one hand on your bike’s handlebars at all times. If you’re carrying cargo, stow it in your bicycle’s basket or keep it in a backpack.