Summer Cycling Safety

By Brian @ IndustryOutsider.com, a MapMyRide User

As featured in the July 2007 Newsletter

For many of us, summertime means more cycling time. And lots of it. So now is a good time to remind everyone of the little things we can do in the name of safety, a concept we often take for granted. Safety is far more than deciding to wear a helmet, and it's bigger than the bike lane debate. It's about trouble-free rides, and coming home unscathed.

Having been involved in racing, commuting, and recreational riding, I've come across several tips that can make every ride a safer one. A quick pre-ride spin of your tires can reveal cuts, small punctures, or other damage that may not manifest itself until you're far from home or your LBS. The same goes for checking your brake and shifter cables. Glasses, either prescription or non-prescription, are always a good idea. Until you've had a bee in your eye at speed, you might not appreciate that advice, but trust me, you'll thank me the first time a bug smacks your lens. And with your glasses, make sure you have something to clean them with. A jersey will only smear oil around the lens. You can get a cheap but effective cleaning cloth almost anywhere that eyeglass or photo supplies are sold. They weigh less than titanium water bottle bolts, so there's no excuse not to carry one. Take more water than you think you'll need, and a couple of bucks to buy some more, just in case. The same goes for tubes, or at least a patch kit. Walking is no fun. If you have a cell phone, take it with you, but turn the ringer off. No one likes to be disturbed on a ride, but it sure makes calling for help easier. If you ride alone, let someone know where you'll be going, and when you'll be back. And carry some ID. I used to attach my health insurance card to my top tube. In my research, I've read about way too many accidents where a cyclist was injured and unconscious (or worse) and had no ID. Just as bad, if no one knows when to expect you back, they won't know you're missing. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it's worth repeating that sun block is your friend.

As far as traffic goes, you only need to remember a few things about sharing the road with motor vehicles. Watch out for vehicles turning left, turning right, or going straight. Also keep an eye out for vehicles approaching you from behind, directly ahead, or from either side. Realize that the average motorist is not aware of the rights of cyclists, and ride accordingly. Do not ride in blind spots, never assume that you've been seen, and always err on the side of caution. That sums things up nicely.

Enjoy the ride.