For many commuters, it’s more than just a way to get to work. It’s also a healthy way of life for many people who can accomplish their goal of exercise while commuting. But on the commute, we also need to take care of the following things to ensure the ride is safe and smooth.
Give your City bike a checkup
If your bike has been dormant over the winter, or if you haven’t ridden it in a while, take a few minutes to give it a little checkup. Dust off the cobwebs, inflate the tires, lube the chain, and even let it ride around the block a few times to ensure everything is in working order. There’s nothing worse than waiting until you’re riding a hill in the middle for the first time only to find that your tires are only half inflated and your chain won’t shift into those easy gears.
Maintain Visibility
While daylight saves time and our transition to spring provides easier riding conditions, it’s always important to be as visible as possible to cars and other riders on the road. Riding at night with bike lights is a cheap and easy tool to improve your Visibility, and bright or reflective clothing will also help.
Obey the rules of the road and use hand signals
Being a restrained rider is critical to keeping you safe on the road. Ride in the direction of traffic and obey all traffic laws, just as you would if you were driving a car (yes, this means even stopping at stop signs). Use hand signals to alert other riders and cars to your intentions. Clear communication on the road is of the utmost importance.
Vigilance
While bicyclists have the same rights as motorists on most roads, always be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of cars, other riders, and pedestrians around you, and take special care to avoid vehicle blind spots. Make yourself heard when approaching or passing other riders or pedestrians by using a bell or announcing, “pass on your left” just like driving, reducing distractions and being aware of your surroundings while riding is an essential step in staying safe on the road.
Use navigation software
Know your route before you ride! One of the most significant barriers that keep people from riding is unease or need for knowledge about the safest routes. Navigation software can break down these barriers and help you find routes that take advantage of protected bike lanes and other bike infrastructure, providing you with the safest paths with audio and visual cues to help you navigate the entire ride. Set your route, save your ride, and you won’t have to worry about staying on course.
Have fun
Many of us see more riders than ever on our local lanes, trails, and paths. In these stressful times, the mental and physical benefits of riding are significant. For those who still must commute, bicycling is a more attractive option than ever before.