Anyone who scoffs at the importance of wearing protective bike gear should just take a look around. Cyclists are expected to share the road with motorcycles, cars, trucks and big tractor trailers. A bicycle is considered to be a legal vehicle, and cyclists are obligated to adhere to the same rules, laws and regulations as all other vehicles. Moreover, a cyclist has a personal obligation to protect him or herself from injury on the road.
The right accessories and equipment makes your time cycling safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. When you're in the cycle shop picking out your new bike, make sure that you get the right gear to go along for the ride.
First and foremost, never ride a bicycle without a helmet. It's a simple life-or-death equation and in many places, it's the law. There are good helmets and poor helmets on the market, so visit a cycle shop and ask a professional to help you choose the best helmet for you. Make sure that the helmet you choose is constructed of superior material that provides both comfort and protection. You cannot compromise on quality here; you might save a few dollars by settling for a lower-priced helmet, but that helmet will not save you from head injuries if you fall or are knocked from your bike. Improperly fitted helmets can also cause neck pain. Choose the best quality, and try to purchase a helmet with proper vents to ensure heat release during hot weather conditions. If you still think you're too cool to wear a helmet, or if you're afraid a helmet will spoil your hairdo, or if you just don't believe that you'll ever fall off of your bike, try visiting a hospital or group home. Sometimes, witnessing the direct effects of head injury can prompt stupid riders into becoming safe riders.
Hydration packs are a wise component of safe biking gear. Many bikes come stocked with water bottle cages, but water bottles can be dangerous to use as they can easily cause riders to lose speed, control and their direct line of sight. For this reason, many riders avoid taking water along for the ride, and quickly become dehydrated. It is essential, however, to keep hydrated during long rides and on hot sunny days. Hydration packs, on the other hand, give cyclists the benefits of fresh water, without the hassle of a water bottle. Hydration packs also have spaces to store keys and other necessities like energy bars, a rain jacket and a cell phone. As far as that water cage goes, it's perfect for storing an extra bottle of fresh water in case of an emergency.
Any cyclist who's ever taken a bug or a bit of debris in the eye will tell you that eyewear is a crucial component of your safe biking gear. Not only does good eyewear protect your eyes from debris, it also shields the bright sunlight. Serious riders purchase proper cycling goggles, while others opt for less expensive sunglasses. So long as it is good quality eyewear that fits properly, the choice is really yours. Lenses should be orange or yellow to brighten the road or track, light up dark and shady. In the evening or on overcast days, these lenses really do wonders for your visibility on the road.
Casual and recreational cyclists can ride in just about any type of clothing. On the other hand, more serious extreme and long distance cyclists will often choose to wear padded cycling shorts. These special shorts have extra padding in the seat for a more comfortable ride, and they're made of soft material to prevent chafing and rashes.
Half-finger gloves are also great safe biking gear choices. These gloves keep the fingers free while protecting the palms with padding. As a result, cyclists are less likely to develop rashes and calluses, and can continue to ride pain-free for extended periods of time.
In comparing models, look at the individual safety features of the bikes. Don't be afraid to invest in a more expensive model, especially if you're cycling for health reasons. The added safety and security of choosing a lightweight bicycle with good suspension is worth the extra investment.
Bicycles are the smallest vehicles on the road, yet cyclists are expected to share the lane and the responsibilities with all other traffic. Accidents can happen, and cyclists can't afford to take chances with safety.
About the Author:
Donald Taylor writes for several well-known web sites, on recreation and sports tips topics.
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