|
Courtesy by: lifemojo.com |
 Cycling
is a great form of exercise, and its fun. It can be enjoyed by people
of all ages. Cycling can provide you with a lot of health benefits too.
It improves your cardiovascular fitness so you'll have a lower risk of
heart attack and stroke. Pedaling is low impact, so you can improve muscle
tone without stressing your knee and ankle joints. It is also a great
mode of transportation. You can save a lot of fuel, save the environment
from getting polluted and you will have to pay no parking fees.
Like any outdoor activity, cycling has dangers that the rider should be
aware of. Probably the biggest danger comes from sharing the road with
cars. Although cycling is an activity that can be very beneficial in contributing
towards a healthy lifestyle, it is important to realize that much cycling
takes place on public roads shared with other vehicles. Cyclists need
to know the basic skills and principles in cycling on the road. Cycling
can be daunting to the novice cyclist especially on busy roads. By following
a few basic safety measures, you can make cycling safer, more enjoyable,
and much less stressful for yourself. |
|
| Wear a Helmet : |
| Just as in
case of motorcycles, bicycles also require helmets.Wear it every single
time you go on ride.The helmet should sit on top of your head in a level
position. The helmet should fit comfortably and not move when you jerk your
head from side to side.
|
| Do initial checkup : |
| Before going on the open roads,
do an initial check up of the bike. Check if the brakes are working fine.
Clean the reflectors. Check the air pressure in tires is adequate. Adjust
the seat according to your height |
|
| Warm up before Starting
: |
| Before going on the open roads,
do an initial check up of the bike. Check if the brakes are working fine.
Clean the reflectors. Check the air pressure in tires is adequate. Adjust
the seat according to your height |
|
| Always ride on the Correct
side of the Road : |
| You should always ride on
the correct side (left side for India/UK and right side for US) of the street
where there are less cars and more empty space. Don't go in the busy hi-speed
lane as the traffic is very fast in that lane and might result in mishap. |
|
| Obey traffic laws : |
| Just because you are not in
a car doesn't means traffic laws are not applicable to you. You must obey
traffic laws. Obey stop signs and stop lights, and learn and follow all
traffic laws and signals. |
|
| Don't make sudden moves
: |
| Don't do anything that would
surprise the driver of a car. Remember, the driver in the car might not
be able to act quickly and if a mishap happens you are likely to be more
hit than him. Signal other drivers when you are making a move. Learn all
the local signals before heading on open road. |
|
| Be visible : |
| Sometimes it's hard for drivers
to see bicyclists because of the size. It is extremely crucial, especially
in the early morning as the daylight is low, to wear Bright-colored clothing
when you ride and try to get a brightly-colored helmet so you'll be easier
to spot. |
|
| Be aware of the surrounding
: |
| Be aware of the conditions you
are riding in. Ride defensively. Know what the other traffic is doing. Be
prepared to maneuver for safety. Keep your eyes open as you never know which
car might stop in front of you or who might open the door of a parked car.
Always keep safe distance from a vehicle. |
|
| Don't do stunts : |
| Never hitch a ride on a moving
vehicle, or do stunts or wheelies on a road with cars or trucks. Never ride
with more than one person on a bike unless the bike has more than one seat. |
|
| A bicycle ceases to be a toy
when it is used on the road. It is a vehicle and should be maintained in
a roadworthy condition at all times. Owning and using your bicycle can open
up a range of potential leisure activities. Even if travel is limited to
going to and from work or school; the benefits of exercise and fresh air
will improve your health and fitness. |
|
