How To Safe Cycle

Why cycle? Cycling is a fun activity fit for the whole family but you must be safe. This report will tell you how to be safe on the road, the safety checks for a bike and other useful tips for cycling.

Before you go riding it helps to have a sheet of paper describing what it looks like incase it gets stolen. First write down the design and creators of your bike. Also write down the different colors of it. Then turn your bike upside down and you will find an ID code. It would be better if you bought a bike with the ID code engraved into it other than just stuck on because a robber could scratch it off. Just incase write down the markings you have made on it. Whether it's stickers or scratches it helps to write them down.

When you cycle it would be good to wear clothes that will help. To be seen while cycling wear a bright shirt or jacket. You also have to wear a properly fitted helmet. It must be the right size and in good condition. To check that it is properly on get someone to whack it while it is on your head. If it moves you need to tighten it, if stays put it’s fine. Incase you fall over try wear some elbow and knee pads because that is where people get hurt on bikes most. Lastly tie on some broken in sneakers. If you go barefoot the pedals will hurt you.

Now for the safety checks. Firstly to be able to move make sure that the tyres are pumped. Check for any rust on your bike. Rust could make you bike ride bad wherever it is. Make sure every joint isn't loose otherwise it could come apart at any second. To make sure the gears are working hop on your bike and get someone to watch you. While doing this, change the gear if the chain moves up or down it works if not, you need to get it checked by a professional. Now check that you have light reflectors on your pedals and wheels. The reflector on the back wheel should be red or orange other wise people in cars will think you are another car coming towards them. When you sit down check that the seat is at the right angle and height because if it is uncomfortable you might go off track and crash. Now flip the bike over and spin both wheels and pull the brakes. If they stop that's great if they don’t you need to get them checked.

Now you need to learn the rules for when you’re out on the road. Stick to the bike track, if there isn't one go to the car park. To avoid being hurt you need to learn the arm signals. To tell someone your going left put your left arm out. If you want to go right put you right arm out. To stop put your fingers together bend your hand up and put your arm out in front of you. Also remember to pull your brakes to let cars and pedestrians past. If you want to pass a parked car or another biker always look to your left. If there is no cars behind you you can pass but if there is wait for it to pass. Also remember to check for people coming out of driveways and cars.

Now you know how to be safe on the road. Did you know if you bike for a hour you burn 600 calories. That's 100 calories every 10 minutes! If you want to keep your bike extra protected buy a bike lock. You can buy ones that have codes or keys. If you buy one that has a code always scramble the numbers up.  If you have one that uses a key, keep the key with you or hidden. If you are practicing on the footpath, buy a bell. It will help get people out of the way.