It’s simply as important-in all probability much more so-for cyclists.
“I feel one of the most important things as a bicyclist is to be a defensive rider, very focused and alert-in a position to anticipate what automobiles round it’s possible you’ll do before they do it,” UVA Health System injury prevention coordinator Liz Cochran mentioned. “The sooner you may detect potential conflicts on the highway, the quicker you’ll be able to act to avoid a potential crash.”
Last summer, the League of American Bicyclists acknowledged Charlottesville as “silver-level” for general biker friendliness.
But that doesn’t mean cyclists right here-or wherever for that matter-can let their guard down.
In response to Cochran, bike-related head injuries are the No. 1 reason for sports activities- and recreation-associated emergency room visits for U.S. If you treasured this article so you would like to get more info regarding Reflective tape shop kindly visit our web site. children ages 14 and reflective tape Shop below.
Listed here are six ideas from Cochran on how bikers can higher protect themselves:
1. Don’t simply wear any helmet
Just because you’re carrying a helmet does not necessarily mean you’re protected.
Cochran says people typically buy helmets that don’t match appropriately, or even worse, they put on a helmet, however leave it unbuckled.
It starts with getting the right fit, she said.
“You can’t simply go by a rider’s age,” she mentioned. “You really have to test them out to seek out the best size for a person’s head.
“You can start with a tape measure to measure your head, staying above your ears and your eyebrows because that’s where the helmet match might be. Identical to a pair of jeans, you’re going to have brands that differ of their sizing charts. Simply because a sure size matches at Wal-Mart, doesn’t suggest the identical will at Target. It’s a must to try it on. Make sure that it’s snug all around. You do not need any areas between the foam tab and your head.”
And Cochran says you also have to make sure you are sporting the helmet appropriately.
“You want to place your fingers in a “V’ shape, like a peace signal, beneath and barely in entrance of a bike rider’s ears and the straps ought to align along with your fingers. The chin strap must be fitted underneath their chin, however should not be so snug that one or two fingers cannot fit beneath it. An easy method to check it is to open your mouth broad, like a yawn, and the helmet should pull down on the pinnacle. If not, the chin strap needs to be tighter.
“You may pull the straps on the again of the helmet to adjust it, and once it’s fastened, the helmet should not transfer in any direction. It ought to be snug, however not so snug that you simply can’t open your mouth.”
2. Check Your Bike
Before you exit for a journey, inspect your bike. So often people get on bike. Instantly need to exit on the roads. And that is great, we completely encourage folks to bike and exercise, but you also have to coach your self first on how one can be a responsible bike rider, similar to you’ll to be a automobile driver,” Cochran stated, “and that includes checking the ABC’s of bike safety-air, brakes, chain/clear.
“Also, you want to find a bike that matches you. If it is too big, it will be much harder to control. If it’s too small, you are going to be placing out much more effort.”
3. Careful with Carry-Ons
“If you are carrying objects on a bike, you want them either in a backpack in your back or strapped on the back of the bike. You don’t want anything swinging from your arms as you’re trying to ride,” Cochran said.
That recommendation extends to your clothes, too.
“Wearing something lengthy and loose is not the perfect riding attire as clothes can easily get caught up in chains and gears and cause a crash,” she stated. “Ensure that shoelaces are tied and tucked in, pant legs are cuffed up, and lengthy dresses and skirts are stored clear of the bike chair and gears.”
4. Guiding Light
“Wear bright clothes in the course of the day and reflective clothing in the evening hours, as well as having lights on your bike,” Cochran stated.
5. Lose the Booze
This could seem like a no-brainer, however Cochran mentioned the numbers recommend otherwise.
“In latest statistics, alcohol was concerned in 37% of all fatal bicycle crashes,” she said. “If you’re drinking, you shouldn’t be working or driving any vehicle, and this applies to bikes as nicely.
