Work Life Tips

Since laws on bike riding vary by state and country, contact your local Department of Transportation, and see if they have published a bike safety guide. More experienced riders are also a great source of information, though you will find over time that different riders have different opinions on what is and is not safe. Weigh the facts carefully before making your own decision.

Bike racing is one of the most popular and exhilirating sports in the world. Most countries divide racers up by level of experience, so if you’re a beginer, don’t worry about getting crushed by the competition. In your first race, stay near the front of the field, but don’t break the wind for other riders. Try to stay tucked behind someone else so they break the wind for you. For safety, ride in as straight a line as possble and avoid swerving. Observe more experienced riders in your race, and emulate what they do.

If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in a while, buy from a serious bike shop. It may cost more, but it ensures that the bike will fit you and be safely constructed. Plus, most bikes sold from shops come with a few months of free service.

Department store bikes offer lower prices, but don’t have much in the way of quality or reliability. Only purchase these bicycles for uses where they will be replaced often, and not ridden for long distances.

If you’ve been riding for a while, and know what you’re looking for in a bike, Internet outlets and auction sites can offer you great deals. Just be sure to protect yourself by doing some background research on the seller before buying.

Bikes are a great way to get healthy. If you’ve been inactive for a long period of time, take it easy at the beginning to be safe. Keep your rides short (less than an hour) and often (4-5 times a week) to let your body adjust to your riding position. To avoid injuries, never ride as hard as you can while just starting up. After a week or two of riding, check in a local bike shop, and ask if there is a local group ride you could join.

Though useful for other activities, such as rollerblading and skateboarding, knee, elbow and wrist pads generally aren’t needed for biking. Kneepads can restrict knee movement, causing chaffing and other discomfort, while wrist pads make it difficult to steer, shift and brake. If you have a medical condition that might require extra protection, consult your doctor about additional safety measures.

Riding a bike in the snow can be very fun, provided the right safety precautions are taken. Bundle up in layers and protect the fingers and toes especially well. Never ride on snowy or icy roads, as a motorist could easily loose control and crush you. Your brakes won’t work as well, and steering is difficult, but unlike on pavement, snow skids are very easy to control and don’t destroy your tires. Plus, falls are well cushioned. Ride in lower gears than you normally would for more power in the snow, and have fun!

Off-road bike riding has lots of unique challenges that make it unsafe to attempt on non-off-road bikes. Taking your cruiser across a smooth, flat path in the park wont hurt it, but technical, rocky rides could damage it (and you) very badly. Use your own discretion and choosing where to ride, and don’t be afraid to turn around or walk the bike if it gets too rough. If you find you enjoy the challenges of off-road riding, purchase a mountain bike.

To ride a bicycle safely and enjoyably, you need pick the model that’s right for you. If your rides are mostly short (less than 5 miles) and on flat, paved roads, look into getting a cruiser or comfort bike. If your rides go off-road on a regular basis, try a mountain bike, and if you’re interested in long rides for fitness and competition, definitely get a road bike.

A bicycle is a delicate machine. In order to run smoothly, it needs regular maintenance. With the proper tools, most simple maintenance can be done by even a novice rider. If you feel unsure of your capabilities, check with your local bicycle organizations or retailers. Some of them offer great courses in bicycle maintenance.

*If you do your own tune-ups and repairs, it’s a good idea to have your bicycle serviced by a knowledgeable professional once a year to increase performance and extend your bicycle’s lifespan.

If you want to be safe on a bike, you ALWAYS need to wear a helmet. Scrapped knees and broken bones will heal; damaged brain cells won’t. Most bike shops, both local and online, offer free or discounted helmets with the purchase of a new bicycle. Be sure to get a helmet that fits snugly, and adjust the straps so that it won’t slide around on the head when force is applied.