Bicycle Safety
Are bicycles dangerous?
It's based on an individual, whether bicycles are dangerous - how they ride it, how they take care of it, maintenance, etc. These are all the key factors and issues of making sure everything's safe. Always check your bike after a ride and before a ride. Make sure everything's tight, make sure everything's functioning. Those are the factors of safety with bicycles. Bicycling itself is not dangerous at all. Just make sure those are your basics. Make sure everything is tight and safe. Always wear a helmet when you ride a bike.
How can I protect myself from bicycle injury?
First of all, wear a helmet. Head injuries are the number one accident with bicycles. Second is elbows and knees. Those are the other key areas when protecting yourself. Other than that, never right a bike without a helmet.
Do I have to follow the same laws as cars when riding my bicycle?
You're on two wheels, a moving vehicle, so there are the same laws. The bicycle must follow the same law as auto and motorcycles.
Can I ride double on a bicycle built for one?
Don't ever ride double on a bicycle made for one. It's not safe at all.
Where should I ride my bicycle when riding with another cyclist?
When riding with another cyclist, leave at least a good three to four bicycle lengths of distance, safely, so you guys can communicate and also watch out for cars opening their door, if you are riding on the road.
Can I try the bicycle stunts I see on TV?
Never do bicycle stunts, period. If your body can't do it and you've never done it before, never do it. Those bicycle riders who do are experienced professional riders.
Do I really have to walk my bicycle across the street?
You can ride your bicycle across your street if there's a stoplight. There are lights, it tells you - if it's green, it's clear for you to go across. If there's a zebra stripe and you think there's no cars coming, or they see you and they stop for you, then you can do it. But doing illegal moves as far as going across the street without looking when riding a bicycle, that's dangerous.
What are the best brakes for riding my bicycle in rough weather?
There are different types of brakes that are good for rain, for snow, for mud, and for dry, hot weather. If you're in a hot, beach weather climate, your standard brakes are really good enough. The standard hand brakes are great with a cantilever, or foot brakes, if you're just going at a relaxing speed. Of course there are road bikes. They have specific road brakes, which are really for road bikes. You also have mountain bike brakes, which consists of disc brakes, which is what they use for motorcycles, because those are the best brakes to have for rain, snow, or mud. If you're going to ride a bicycle those conditions, disc brakes are the way to go.
Is it safe to ride my bicycle at night?
Bicycle riding at night is safe if you have a front light that consists of 10 watts to 20 watts and a back blinking red light that is really bright. It's really safe to ride a bike if you have front and back lights. It must be bright. For the front light, I suggest 5 to 20 watts for city driving. Of course, also have a blinking back red light when riding at night.
How fast can I ride my bicycle safely?
It's individual, it's just different. You can ride a bicycle from fast to slow safely. It depends on you.
How should I check the brakes on my new bicycle?
You grab the brake lever to check the brakes on a bicycle. If they don't stop your bike at all, something's wrong with them, and you've got to get them checked at a pro shop. Just make sure the brakes stop the bicycle. You'll know right away.
