Summer means time for adventuring, relaxing, and forgetting your problems. One popular activity many enjoy is bicycling. It’s a great way to spend time with your family while also engaging in physical activity. But it’s important to heed safety protocols to keep it fun. Here are some to keep in mind…
For Children
The experience of a youngster learning to bike can be fun for the entire family. When teaching little ones to come along on family outings, it is crucial to be safe. Do….
- Perform bike safety checks before you roll, including checking tire pressure and that brakes are working properly.
- Wear a certified helmet (PA law requires children 12 years and under to have one on). It should fit snugly; you should be able to put one to two fingers from the brim of the helmet to the eyebrow. Remember: helmets are good for one crash only.
- Safeguard bikes using a secure lock. Don’t lock bikes where they can block cars. No bike rack nearby? Safely secure your to a bench or sturdy pole.
Experienced/Casual Riders
Riding a bike on the street requires you to heed the same rules of the road as when you’re driving. Pay attention to your surroundings and be predictable. Let other drivers know what you are doing, especially when making a turn. It is best to respect others on the road while being safe and courteous. Bikers have the right to use the road, so:
- Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey traffic signs.
- Use hand signals before making a turn.
During bike rides, it is important to take care of your body. Consider keeping rides short in hot weather and bringing water. For rides more than two hours in length, bring both a snack and water and be sure to eat 45 minutes to an hour into the ride, then have a bite every 15 to 20 minutes.
Mountain Biking
Not all trails permit biking, so pay attention to signs and find a trail that accommodates your skill level. Also, be sure to:
- Wear helmet and eye protection.
- Wear proper clothing (some trails are in open hunting areas, so be aware of the season and wear fluorescent orange when it’s active).
- Pay attention to weather and trail conditions. If it rains, wait 24-48 hours before biking, as riding on wet, muddy terrain is unsafe and could damage the trail.
- Ride with a partner or join a club.
- Like solo trips? Tell others about your biking plans so someone knows where you are.
Get More Cycling Info Here
A local Berks County Boy Scout troop was doing some research on bicycle safety and general bicycle info. They liked our article and it led them to some other great biking websites to check out. Special thanks to troop member, Conner, who shared with us a link he thought we may want to add to our article. Check out this link he discovered featuring Bike Safety, Bicycle Commuting and Advocacy Information, Historical Bicycle Information and a lot more. Thanks Conner!
