Safety Tips for Recyclist_20l0

They say that accidents do not just happen;  negligence and lack of precaution cause them to happen.  Some safety reminders:

l  Equipment checking: the bike:

    l.  Check for loose bolts, headpost, seat, handlebar especially the QR.  A loose QR can cause serious accident or even death.  A loose handle bar that goes down as you hold down the drops can be frighetening. Check whether the bolts that hold down the cable for brakes are tight.

    2.  Check the non metal parts if still serviceable:    tires (check for cracks and broken glass), brake pads (if totally worn out.)

     3.  Check for frays, breaks in cables for brakes and derailleur.  Oil them to prevent them from corroding or breaking.

     4.  Check the frame for cracks.  You do not want your bike to fall apart as you ride.


2.  Be sure your personal safety equipment are complete and are working properly:

      l.  Eyewear.  A good eyewear is a protection from harmful UV rays from the sun, the dirt and grime on the street.  Some good brands prevent injury during crash.  I know of a rider who did not even have a scratch on his face when he skidded and his face hit the road.  The eyewear protected him

     2.  The helmet.  Buy a good helmet, if possible with reenforcement.  Be sure it is laminated for added strength.  If you buy a cheap helmet, replace it every year.  Do not leave your helmet under the sun.  The styro component deteriorates under heat of the sun.  Be sure your helmet is snug on your head.  Tighten the straps just right.  Fix the straps before you ride.

     3.  Buy good pair of gloves with palm liner (or gel) to protect you from numbness and or carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you crash, you will understand the value of gloves (to protect your palm from broken glass, sand and gravel)

     4.  Bike shoes.  Wear the proper bike shoes.  They should be stiff and fit your feet right.  Check the cleats for looseness.  Tighten the cleats and oil the screws regularly.  Cleats that are not working could be dangerous.  If they do not disengage when you remove it as you stop, you are in big trouble. 

3, UV protection

    l.  Apply sunblock lotion before a ride. Excessive UV rays can damage your skin, even skin cancer.

    2.  Wear arm warmers for the same reason.

4.  Ride safely:

    l.  Practice wheel touch and tumbling as you fall.;
   
    2.  Practice hand signals;

    3   Practice peloton riding;

    4.  Focus and concentrate as you ride.