When
you ride keep in mind that a crash could happen despite your best efforts, so
be prepared for it with protective equipment, physically, mentally, and through
other means like life and medical insurance.
Protective equipment should ALWAYS be worn
while biking, helmet, gloves, biking shoes, and bright flexible clothing that
is adjusted to the weather. Practice
looking back without loosing control or changing your path of travel at all;
you can do this when no traffic or hazards are present.
Ensure
others know your route, and expected times of returns.
Wear
ID and a medical tag with you, in case you are found unconscious by
strangers.
Be
ready to perform first aid on yourself or others (especially if you ride in
groups).
Ride
in a group whenever possible, as bigger packs get noticed by vehicles and
pedestrians much more than single riders, however do not follow group behavior
if unsafe riding is happening. Break from the group if they are acting
in an unsafe manner as riding to fast, in inclement weather, or unnecessarily
close to traffic. Group behavior tends
to have followers that mimic leaders regardless of appropriate behavior or not (conformity); avoid this.
Avoid
rush hour traffic or heave traffic roads.
Plan
your route through residential roads
when possible.
Carry
a warning device or be ready to whistle and warn others.
Carry
a dog repellant spray, and be ready to spray down any dog that may attempt to
bite you. Be sure only to spray dogs
that clearly are attempting to harm you and not those only looking for
attention and a good chase. Be careful
not to let dogs take away your focus from traffic or loose your control; stop
if necessary.
When
things are getting too busy for you to keep safe, STOP and get off your
bike. Assess the situation or wait until
things settle down; better to be late and walk a little than get involved in a
possible accident.
Watch
the sun rise and sun sets, these could blind drivers and render them unable to
see you. Keep clear of traffic during
these times.
Be
alert, be defensive, and be smart; always make the safest choice in any
situation and don’t allow others to keep you safe. Always keep safety in your control, it is
your body, don’t leave it up to others.
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