Before I started riding a motor bike my understanding of two-wheels riding safety was pretty simple – try not to crash the bike you’re on. That’s it… There was not much of paying attention to what’s going on around. My buddies and I were interested in stunts and speed more than safety. When I started riding a motorcycle few years ago I HAD to learn safety rules. But ultimately motorcycle is just an upgraded version of a bicycle. Somehow I automatically started applying rules of the road to a biking trail and here is a rule number one:
YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY!!!
While on the bike you are the only one in charge of your own safety. No one else. DO NOT RELY ON OTHERS TO WATCH AFTER YOU! Before crossing the road assume that you’re invisible. Before coming out from around a blind corner assume that there is a horse right around it heading your way. Before taking a turn at high-speed assume there is gravel around the corner (gravel on turns can cause skid and crash … unless you know how to drift).Think conservatively. This type of thinking will drastically decrease your chances of injury.
Safety Gear! Get it and wear it.
If you have any issues with style, find the one you like – there is plenty to choose from. Your gear is the ONLY thing between your skin and the ground. Crashing at even 10 mph hurts bad enough, so don’t make a mistake assuming that You are a good rider and ride safer – do wear protective gear. Hopefully you are a good rider, ride safe, and will never crush, but stick with the rule: hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. We’re not talking about a full closet – just helmets, gloves, goggles, shoe wear, etc.
Safety Be Aware
As I get more comfortable with a riding course and equipment, I sometimes tend to get carried away and get outside of the comfort zone – the better I feel my bike, the faster I go. If (when) it happens to you, remember to slow down for maneuvers and be comfortable with your speed. Same goes for riding in a group: if the group goes faster than you can handle – slow down. When riding look ahead and know where you’re going before you get there. Remember – you’re taking care of yourself. No one else.
Buddy Safety
Pick riding buddies wisely – pick more experienced ones and avoid crazy ones. Want to try new things – find a safe place to do so.
The safety part is probably the most repetitive, graphic, and sometimes gruesome part of learning how to ride any bike, but the reason is not to scare you out of riding, but rather stress to the importance of all components safe riding involves. So, just to repeat it one more time: pay attention, do not exceed your capabilities, and wear your gear. And once again, repeat after me – MY SAFETY IS MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY!!!
Safety gear does no good if it is not worn, and worn properly, I always say- Great tips for children and adults alike!
… and the good thing is a lot of it even looks good 🙂
Great tips to share!
WAW!! This post brings back a lot of memories 🙂 As a kid I hated all the safety gear my mom used to bundle me up in but it was a small price to pay for getting to ride my bike alone.
It makes me to see a cyclist of ANY age without a helmet!
Great tips. I see so many kids with no helmets or helmets that don’t fit.
I had a terrible accident as a child where an older kid purposely ran into my bike slamming me into the ground. I hit my head and suffered a bad concussion – thank god kids wear helmets these days – this was around 1980 and helmets were unheard of back then. After that I couldn’t let anyone ride behind me for years – – – clear into adulthood.
The first time I got on a bike I rode down a huge hill behind out house, through a rose bush and into the concrete cellar. Fun times.
Dawn
Safety should be first priority. Sneakers and a helmet are a must for bike riding.
I’d say add a pair of good gloves to the first half of the list and you’re good to start.
i cant wait to teach my little guy how to ride!! it will be a few years tho haha!
Very good tips. I especially like the one about assuming you are invisible… so true!
The irony is bicycles and motorbikes show almost the same – riders back and wheels of the ride which together are not so much to see especially if the eyes and the brain of a car driver subconsciously look for a silhouette of a vehicle. Sometimes it looks like they’re looking right through you. It happens more than you would think 🙂
I do think you highlighted the number one Safety responsibility and problem with biking or motorcycling. The other driver does not watch out for you.
My kids are older and we are STILL talking about biking safety. It’s important when they are teens to remind them they aren’t invincible. Great article!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing, Lena!
Safety is not to be taken lightly. Ever. Road rush is anything but a pretty site to look at and even less than that to feel it regardless of what we fall from. However, asphalt is a phenomenal tattoo removal 🙂 … kidding, there are other less painful methods out there.
Good tips. Too many people seem to fly out into the road assuming cars will see and stop.
Great tips. While my kids are all older I still make sure they’re safe whenever they’re on their bikes.
My two year old got his first bike for Christmas. Right now it’s too cold to ride outside, but once it warms up I’d really like to get him some knee and elbow pads for better protection.
I can’t believe how some bike riders just don’t even look both ways- assuming cars will stop for them, but sometimes it’s way too close to do so.
It’s such an enjoyable activity for kids to go biking. The supervision of adults is needed to guide them and ensure their safety while enjoying the ride. Wearing safety gears especially helmet and knee pads will lessen the risk of getting injuries if they bump into something. Thanks for the additional tips! I’ll keep them in mind.