Tips on Riding a Bicycle
From Adviceopedia
Even if you already know how to ride a bike, following these tips on riding a bicycle can help you stay safe and get the most enjoyment from your bike.
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Tips on Riding a Bicycle: Should I Wear a Helmet?
You should always wear a helmet, even when you are on a short trip. You never know when a rock, an imperfection in the road, or even a momentary lapse of concentration will cause you to go flying over the handlebars. When lying on the road with your bike on the ground, you’ll be glad you had a helmet, just like football players are thankful for their helmets. Consider shopping for a stylish looking and comfortable helmet so you’ll be more likely to wear it.
What about Bicycle Gloves?
Wearing padded, fingerless gloves will make you more comfortable on a longer ride. The pads observe some of the shock from the road. The gloves will absorb your sweat, helping you keep a strong grip on the handlebars. Also, should you fall off the bike; the gloves will prevent scrapes to your hands.
How do I use Hand Signals when Turning?
Before making a turn in traffic, signal to motorists to show which direction you are turning.
- Left Hand Turn: Hold your left hand straight out away from your body
- Right Hand Turn: Hold your left arm out and bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle, forming an L-shape with your arm. Your hand should be parallel to your head. Alternatively, you can also hold your right arm straight out for a right turn, but only consider this if traffic is on your right side.
What kind of Bike Should I Ride?
Very important tips on riding a bicycle include shop around for a bike you feel comfortable with and make sure it is properly fitted for you. Have a professional at a bike shop fit you for the proper size bike. As for what kind of bike, that depends on what you intend to use the bike for. If you would like to ride aggressively on off-road trails, a mountain bike is your best bet. Riding long miles on the road; however, is better suited for a road bike. Even though you lean forward on those bicycles, that position is actually less tiring on a long ride. Finally, if you plan to commute with your bike, take short trips around the neighborhood and occasionally ride on trails, a hybrid or cross bike should be considered. A hybrid bike is similar to a mountain bike but has tires more appropriate for riding on the road.
Do I Ride with Traffic?
Always ride with traffic, meaning cars approach you from behind. Your bicycle is considered a vehicle, so you need to ride in the same direction as cars.
How Far from the Curb do I Ride?
You should ride approximately 2-3 feet from the curb. Don’t ride right on the curb. You risk running over debris and getting a flat tire. You also risk falling off the road, if the side of the road is not level with the road.
Should I Bring any Food or Water with Me?
Riding a bike is great exercise and with any exercise, you are burning energy and losing hydration while on a ride. Replenish your body’s needs by drinking water while you pedal. The wind from the ride may keep the sweat away, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t still sweating. Drink water before you feel thirsty to stay hydrated. On a longer ride, bring food as well. Bananas are an excellent choice, as are energy bars.
What Gear should I Ride In?
If you have a multispeed bike, such as a 21-speed, use all of the available gears to improve your ride. Find a gear that provides some resistance, but not so much that you feel a strain in your knees. On flat terrain you can gradually build up to a higher gear, which will allow you to go faster. But when you reach a hill, downshift to make reaching the top easier.
