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| | Bike Riding Safety Tips
| An article from Bikes and Bike Helmets
| | Bike riding is a fun way to get exercise but it can be dangerous if you don't take care. Here are some tips to help you keep safe while you're
cycling.
First and most important - get the right equipment and keep it working properly. Make sure you buy the right size of bike for you, when you sit on the
bike the tips of your toes should just touch the ground. If your feet are flat on the ground or your toes are waving in the air the bike is the wrong
size. If you're buying the bike online then you won't be able to try it beforehand for size so you will need to calculate the correct frame size.
First measure your inside leg, measuring to the ground, then subtract 10 inches to account for the distance from the ground up to the bottom of
the frame, then subtract a further 3 inches if you're buying a mountain bike, or 1 inch if you're buying a road bike. The resulting figure is the
largest frame size you should buy, any bigger will be dangerous as it will be difficult for you to control. This is very important if you're buying a
bike for a child, never buy one too large for the child to grow into.
After the bike itself the most important piece of safety equipment is a good, well fitting cycling helmet, plus some highly visible clothes,
especially if you plan to ride your bike at night.
Once you have the correct equipment, maintain it properly. Check your bike regularly to make sure the tyres are inflated and aren't punctured, check
the brakes work properly and they are clean - mud covered brakes could let you down when you need them. Check the chain is clean and turns
freely.
Make sure you know traffic laws and obey them when you ride. Just because you're riding a bike doesn't mean you can ignore road laws. Use the correct
lane at traffic lights and roundabouts, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic. Take great care when passing cars and lorries, and when turning
right, drivers often miss seeing a slim bike passing and can pull out unexpectedly or open a car door in front of you.
Make sure you're visible. If you ride at night have working lights back and front, a steady white light on the front and a flashing red light on the
back, and wear high-visiblity clothes. If possible use well lit streets.
If a cycle lane is provided use it. It's much safer than riding in high speed traffic.
Indicate to other traffic what you intend to do with hand signals and use your bell if you're coming up to pedestrians to warn them you are there.
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