30 Bike Safety Tips for You and Your Bike

TourDeFranceCycles.com

The Tour de France is the single most important competition in the entire sport of cycling with billions of viewers each year, and more than 10 million spectators lining the roadway. Cycle Force Group is an importer of bicycles, parts, and accessories serving all facets of the cycling industry and produces TDF bicycling gear. Cycle Force Group is excited to share with you bike tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer. To enter our great Tour de France cycling gear giveaway click here.

Road Safety

Pump check: Before going for a ride, check your tires! Pump the tires with your pedals to make sure that it will be a safe ride.

Get a headlight: For those that are bicycling at night do not forget to add a headlight. It not only is required by the law but will keep you safe.

Wave: Always wave at the driver! It is easier for drivers to see arms indicating your direction instead of seeing a bicycle coming.

Arm Signs: Learn the different arm signs that will let drivers know the direction you are turning.

Road Rules: Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights.

Direction flow: Ride in the direction of traffic so people can predict the movement and direction of a bicyclist. In some states such as Florida, bicyclists can get a citation for not riding in the same direction as traffic.

Keep Your Distance: Stay away from parked cars, for doors can open suddenly.

Crossing An Interaction: When you arrive at an intersection, walk your bicycle across the cross walk.

Leader Of The Pack: If riding with a group of people, always ride behind one another to share the road with motorists.

Avoid Noise: Avoid wearing listening to music while biking. Many bicycle accidents could have been prevented if riders were not distracted.

Choosing a Bicycle and Helmet For Your Child

Maturity Level: The most important component of buying a bicycle is the child’s age and the environment they are going to be biking.

Be Bold: Make sure that the bicycle is visible to drivers and other cyclists.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Each certified helmet will have a sticker that indicates that the helmet is a quality helmet.

Check Your Helmet: Because they lose their ability to absorb shock, routinely check your helmet each season.

Tight Fitting Helmet: Do not wear a hat underneath.

Love Your Helmet: Do not throw your helmet around. A damaged helmet may be unable to protect you in the event of an accident.

Spacing: There should be a space of 1-2 inches between your body and the top bar of a road bike, and 3 to 4 inches between your body and the top of a bike.

Caring For Your Bicycle

Inflate Tires: The recommended pressure to inflate your tires is listed on the sidewall of the tire.

Regular Maintenance: Oil the bike chain regularly and remove any dirt.

Adjust The height: Change the handlebars to appropriate height as children frequently have growth spurts.

Complete A Break Check: Look for frayed cables and worn-out brake pads.

Checking The Tread: Check your tread regularly. By letting the tread on your bicycle wear out you are setting yourself up for danger.

Health Benefits Of Bicycling

Activation Of Muscles: The muscular system is made stronger and is able to function more efficiently through cycling.

Balance: Cycling improves balance through the circulation of oxygen.

Calorie Burning: Bicycling not only is good for the environment, but it also burns calories.

Exercise Alternative: Bicycling is an alternative exercise for people who are unable to run.

Hydration and Nutrition

Hydration: For each hour riding drink 20-24 ounces of water. By taking the time to rejuvenate your body you are helping to prevent Charlie Horses & muscle cramps.