Responsible Tourism [#06] - How to stay safe during a bicycle trip?

Spring has arrived, and along with it - the cycling season. The beautiful sun encourages outdoor activities, often turning the weekend into an active getaway through a cycling trip. As we know, cycling is extremely beneficial for both mental and physical health, but it is essential to remember about safety and pay attention to our well-being. While cycling is healthy, it can also pose various risks. In this article, you will learn how to prevent them and enjoy safety during your cycling trip.

Bicycle Lighting - Essential for Visibility During a Cycling Trip

Lighting is probably the most crucial element to remember when going on a trip. It doesn't matter whether you ride at night or during the day - lights are an absolute necessity. You never know what to expect on the route, and it's hard to imagine riding in the dark without lighting. Having lights and reflectors is also mandatory when riding on the street - a white light in the front and a red one in the back. A reflector in a shape other than a triangle is also required, as well as a reflective vest when riding at night on the road. What else should you remember when riding on the streets?

A Cycling Trip is Not Just a Journey on Designated Paths - How to Be Safe on the Road?

Nowadays, there are more and more bike paths promoting cycling. However, often during a trip, we are compelled to ride a stretch of road. In such cases, we must remember that no one will take care of our health and life for us, and a potential accident poses a greater threat to us than to a car driver.

When riding a bike on the road, we must ride on its right edge. This position makes it easier for cars to pass and allows us to quickly swerve to the shoulder in case of a dangerous situation. We must also remember to adhere to all traffic regulations - paying attention to road signs and traffic lights. We signal our intention to turn by extending our arm towards the direction we want to turn at an angle of about 45 degrees.

The most important thing when travelling on the road is to have a cycling card or driving license in case of a potential police check. Therefore, whenever you set off on any trip - take them with you!

Bike Condition - It’s Hard to Be Safe on Unsafe Equipment

The condition of the bike is also very important during a trip. Before the cycling season, it is recommended to have the bike serviced to eliminate potential faults. Faults can manifest at the most inconvenient times. The worst faults are those that occur while riding. An old tire that may burst during a ride or brakes that may fail while going downhill - this sounds terrifying, but you really don't have to worry if you regularly check the technical condition of your bicycle.

A Helmet is Not Just for Beginners - Why It’s Worth Wearing Protective Gear?

Many people give up wearing helmets as soon as they feel somewhat confident on a bike. This is a significant mistake. Helmets, although uncomfortable and cumbersome, can be lifesaving for our health and safety. Helmets provide effective protection for the head, which is highly susceptible to injury during a fall and is the most vulnerable part of our body. Having protective gear during a trip is also a good idea. Wearing knee and elbow pads can save not only pain in case of a fall but also difficulties related to injuries during the trip.

Author
The co-author of this publication is the online store iroman.pl - a sports shop that offers bicycle parts, sports clothing, and supplements.