Helpful Cycling Safety tips for the newbie cyclist or triathlete
Cycling Safety
As I log my miles on the road on my bike as I prepare for my half Ironman later this summer I have been thinking a lot about safety on the bike. It seems as though the number of car vs. bike accidents this year has been larger or perhaps its that I am more aware of it. This includes an accident between a bike and a car during the White Mountains Triathlon over the weekend (hopefully the rider will make a full recovery). Getting out n my bike is both freeing but a little scary at the same time. We are lucky to have gorgeous roads for riding with scenic vistas overlooking the Connecticut river and also of the White Mountains. However many of these roads are old winding roads with little or no shoulder. This means that when I am on my bike I am always on hyper alert about vehicles on the road.
What are some of the best ways to stay safe when you are cycling?
- Make sure that your bike is tuned up and ready to ride. This includes your brakes!
- Check your pedals and clips on your shoes to make sure that they are in proper working order.
- Check your tire pressure before you head out on the road.
- Wear bright colors.
- Ride with a group. There is always safety in numbers.
- Choose reflective clothing and use reflectors on your bike.
- Using flashing lights at dusk. Red on your back!
- Get a headlight for use if you are riding when it is dark.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Always wear a helmet
- Obey traffic laws and learn proper hand signals.
- Ride at low traffic times or in low traffic areas
- Bring a cell phone in case you run into trouble
- Carry an ID
Do you have any other cycling safety tips to share? Do you get nervous about safety when you are out on your bike or out on a road run?
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42 responses
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Confession… I don’t bike anymore. I’m too scared. After two friends almost died after they were hit by a semi truck and a neighbor did die after being hit by a car, I can’t do it. 🙁 I wish I lived somewhere rural so I would feel more confident. These tips are great and so important!
Always assume that the driver doesn’t see you and ride accordingly. Defensive cycling. I was almost hit by a lady making a left turn in front of me. My husband, was almost killed twice in two weeks (!) by drivers who just didn’t see him. And we do ride carefully, wear bright colors, appropriate lighting, follow traffic laws, etc.
Great tips though. It is scary out there. I’m lucky that I live in a relatively safe place to ride (in spite of the stuff above lol).
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…Perfect Pasta Salad for #MeatlessMonday
Ride predictably.
When (I) come up behind you in my big old tow truck, don’t try to hug the curb to let me pass. When you get too close to the curb you will start to weave and become unpredictable. (I) will just have to wait until it’s safe to pass. Some drivers will get pissy, but that’s their problem. If you swerve in front of them, even accidentally, that’s your problem. Be safe.
These are great tips! So many people hit the road in the summer without proper knowledge. Will definitely share!
ahhh I am a TERRIFIED CYCLIST as well.But I need to fake it till I make it with the child 🙂
Ill read her these too.
Yes to Debbie’s tip – the driver never sees you. Cycling does make me super nervous. I’d love to ride more, but drivers make me so nervous. Scary thing – last week in CA we saw a guy riding his bike on the freeway. REALLY???? Now that’s scary!
Angela @ happy fit mama recently posted…Saucony 26 Strong Photo Shoot
I’ve also noticed a lot of crazy drivers out there lately. I have a similar post coming out Wed about trail safety. You really have to stay aware on your bike and not assume cars see you or will stop for you. Stay safe friend!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Spicy Summer Gazpacho-Meatless Monday
great list! i just started riding on the road again, so this was a good refresher! 🙂 and yes yes YES YES YES always wear a helmet!!!!! i’m going to add this to my post of triathlon tips today!
Essential tips! What a great post!
All good tips! I stick to the trail for my training rides because cars and trucks scare me too much!
TriGirl recently posted…Riding Like a “Real” Triathlete. Sorta.
I am SO not a cyclist, so I totally need to read this! Thanks for all the great tips!
Can I tell you that I’m terrified of biking, especially in NYC?! They’ve done a ton to make the city more bike friendly but it still scares me! But these tips are so helpful.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Recovery Yoga for Runners
Safety is always one of my biggest concerns about cycling and so this is super helpful because if you’re SMART about it, you can be SAFE and ENJOY it! 😀
Coach Henness recently posted…Simple Thoughts on Success
Great tips! I wish parents would do a better job teaching these things to their kids. Last week my husband encountered a family taking over a FULL car lane on a busy road in our city {aka not a neighborhood street}. It was rather frustrating!
Maureen recently posted…Weekend Snapshots
I miss my bike. Have not been out on it nearly enough.
Whether you’re a cyclist or a runner, you can never assume that drivers see you. My husband and I were almost hit twice yesterday during our long run! So frustrating!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Comment on Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Training Log – Week 5 by thesimplepeach
You know, it’s funny, I love to run out on the roads, but cycling is completely intimidating to me.
Kerri Olkjer recently posted…Jillian Michaels BodyShred Weeks 1 and 2 Ignite + What Fit Means to Me
I don’t have a road bike. The thought of riding on the roads though would freak me out. Drivers are so crazy out there these days. I will stick with trails if I ever get one 🙂
LOL! My greatest safety tip is to never mount up! To be honest, I am flat out terrified of real cycling, and even more so of cycling in a group. Everyone gets way too close and it freaks me out!
Jenn recently posted…weekly report: 5.31 – 6.7
The only way I cycle nowadays is in a studio, which has a much more controlled environment – don’t have to worry about toppling over and not unclipping 🙂
Great reminders! I love cycling but gosh it’s crazy out there sometimes. I can’t even begin to imagine cycling at night.
confession time for me too- I don’t ride a bike. But my husband does and I’ll be sure to pass these tips on to him!
I hate when people ride without their helmets! I cringe for them!
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #26
I live in an area where cyclist love to ride. There are so many close calls all the time. I’m used to looking out for bikers but so often big trucks use the road as a detour if there is traffic on the highway and they are not looking for bikers. Stay safe and enjoy the ride – these are fantastic tips! Oh and yes always wear a helmet!!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Peach Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
I am starting to cycle again and this is super helpful! Thank you so much for the information.
Jessica Hughes recently posted…Summer Chicken Kabobs Recipe
I don’t cycle (yet), but these are some great tips! I’m always wanting to know more about it because I do plan to start riding.
Artney recently posted…Jumping into June (Jump Rope) Challenge – #jijc
Great tips! Sadly we live in an area where drivers are not runner/biker friendly. I can’t imagine being on the roads on a bike around here.
Great tips! I see way too many bikers not obeying traffic rules and it makes it dangerous for them and for the rest of us out on the road.
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…Weekly Workout Wrap-Up, K-Fit Challenge Week 3
Great cycling safety tips.I loved biking and i think cycling is a great way to have fun and stay healthy.
Great tips.. Thanks for sharing such a informative article.. Cycling is a world full of joy and wonder. Riding along a path, road or trail can be an addictive, almost out-of-body experience, but a badly set up bike or the wrong clothing can make things a bit uncomfortable.
ebikedelight recently posted…What Is the Best Fat Tire Electric Bike?
Thank you for your tips, Sandra. I always wonder how many people neglect their protection and do not even wear helmets!
Maria recently posted…Interesting Information About Shoei
I know, I could not imagine riding a bike without a helmet.
I always want to leave everything behind and go on a bicycle travelling trip for a year or so. This post is truly inspiring and thought provoking to me. Thank you!
Michael White recently posted…Best Fixed Gear Bikes
Excellent safety tips to stay safe while biking.
Thank you!
Melissa
Great tips. From me, we should not accept calling when biking.
Thanks for sharing your useful tips.
While riding on cycle we should keep in mind that safety is always first.
Dennis recently posted…Top 5 Beginner Mountain Bike Mistakes
Great tips by the way. 10x for sharing them with us. Keep the good work. Cheers, ALEK
Great tips for all pro bikers. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Amanda Hopkins recently posted…5 Best GPS for Biking – GMC Bike Reviews
I really like what you said about how safety comes first. My brother wants to get into riding bikes. Getting a really nice helmet could really help him.
Excellent tips for a newbie bike rider. Professionals also follow the same safety rules but still, everyone should be careful and check everything is ok before going to a ride.