With the month of June being our National Safety Month, it’s a perfect time to brush up on some safety tips concerning one of the most popular outdoor activities in America, bike riding. Who doesn’t love a long bike ride on a gorgeous summer afternoon when the weather is not too hot, or not too cold, but just perfect? (Yes, that was incredibly corny but secretly true.) Not only is bike riding fun, it can play a huge role in your body’s health. According to Master Lock, regular riding can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50 percent.
Taking a trip on your bike is an awesome way to get outside and enjoy the summer weather, but let’s not get foolish and forget the rules!
Masterlock.com
Five Big Time Rules to Bike Safety
1. Select the right lock for YOU: Heavy duty U-bars: top-notch security! Multi-item lock: a long, thick adjustable locking cable.
Is security a priority? The thicker the cable or bar, the more security that lock will provide. Are you forgetful? If you have trouble remembering combinations, consider a keyed cable lock. Too many keys? If you hate carrying around a key, an integrated, set-your-own password combination cable lock is ideal.
*More than one-third of riders don’t lock up their bikes, and nearly half of Americans have had their bike stolen, or know someone who has.
2. Gear up, baby! Get the proper safety gear regardless of where you’re riding or how short the ride will be. A bike helmet is always a MUST. Placing bright reflectors or lights on your bike and wearing stylish neon clothing will ensure you can be easily seen. Not to mention you’ll look like a pro. If you choose to wear yellow, don’t be surprised if folks start yelling “cheater” at you, a la’ Lance Armstrong.
*Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%.
3. Map it out! Familiarize yourself with the best bike routes in your area BEFORE heading out. Check out online mapping services, such as Google Maps, or your local transit authority or city website for an outline of streets with bike lanes or bike trails.
4. Remember the rules! Yes, you and even Lance Armstrong still have to follow the same traffic laws as drivers. Stop at stop signs, drive on the right side of the road, yield to pedestrians and signal all turns.
• Left turn: extend left arm straight out in the direction of the turn, parallel to the road
• Right turn: extend your left upper-arm out to the left, parallel to the road and angle your forearm vertically upward
• Stopping: extend your left upper arm out to the left, parallel to the road and angle your forearm vertically downward
5. Ride defensively: Stick to the bike lane while on the road and stay in a single file. Avoid traveling along the side of cars when passing through intersections (cars may turn in front of you without warning *cough cough* texting. Be alert when passing parked cars and keep your hands over the brakes at all times , you see an ice cream stand orrrrr so you can brake quickly if a hazard presents itself.
(Safety credit: Master Lock)
Check out some Master Lock Best Seller Products on Amazon.com:
Master Lock 8143D Self Coiling Cable Lock, 4-Feet x 5/16-Inch
-Combination locking mechanisms for keyless convenience
-Flexible steel cables for strong cut resistance; preset combination
-Vinyl coating helps prevent scratching
-Ideal for bicycles, skateboards, sports equipment, tool boxes, ladders and gates
-4-Feet x 5/16-Inch
$5.53
Master Lock Dual Function Door Security Bar
-Dual-function door and patio door security bar
-Improves security on hinged and sliding doors
-Rugged 20-gauge steel construction to withstand more than 350 pounds of force
-Includes one security bar that adjusts to fit most standard doors
-Weighs only one pound
$21.99
Master Lock 4688D TSA Accepted Cable Luggage Lock
1-1/8-inch metal body
-Set your own combination convenience
-Flexible cable resists abuse from luggage handling equipment
-Bright colors simplify baggage identification
-1 color, blue, silver, red or black, randomly selected at time of shipment
$6.84
(photo credit on all 3 items: Amazon.com)
