subject: Bike Safety Tips For Heavy Riders [print this page] Biking is an ideal way to be fit while having fun. But, your aim of getting some exercise while having a great time may turn into an unfortunate event if you do not keep in mind some bike safety tips.
So to make your biking fun, fulfilling, and most of all safe, remember and apply the following bike safety tips for heavy riders.
1. Be familiar with the road you will take. You should know your route and the circumstances involved. Know the turns, one-way roads, pedestrian crossing, bike lanes, and yielding points. This way, you will know what things to expect, the obstacles you might encounter. This will help you avoid them and therefore prevent injuries and accidents as well. You must also know the condition of the road when it is raining or just after the rain. You should be extra cautious when the road is wet because it is doubly slippery. Ride at an average pace when taking a wet road. Be extra careful when riding up or going down a slope when the road is not dry. Also, know if the road has puddles after the rain. Avoid riding over these puddles especially those you are not able to see through. If it is possible, survey the road on foot first before riding. This would help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
2. When you are riding on the road, you must relax your mind and body. Panic is one of the reasons why injuries and accidents get worse than they should be. Heavy riders can be spared of extra damages and pain if they relax in times of trouble. Expect that you may encounter accidents one of these days, that they are not completely unavoidable. This may sound silly or irrelevant, but having such mindset will help you lessen if not totally overcome your nervousness while on the road. When your mind and body are relaxed, you are able to think rationally and clearly. And you can be able to take necessary measures quickly. When you are calm, you could quickly think of using your brake in a timely and appropriate manner without throwing yourself over the handlebar, put a foot down on the ground and stop your bike to prevent a fall, and maneuver your bicycle fast avoiding an obstacle like a puddle or a stone. However, when you are hysterical, the situation will worsen because you can do something irrational and terrible.
3. Correct space is essential. Give yourself enough space when you are on the road. You should be at a good distance from anyone or anything at your back, front, right side, and left side. Make sure you are at least three-foot away from anything and from other drivers and riders.
4. Ride in appropriate gears and clothing. Heavy riders may have a tough time searching for clothing intended for cycling or biking, since probably most would not fit. So, if you cannot find spandex shorts and shirt, wear a regular shorts or shirt that is not loose. Pick one that is one or two sizes less than the size you really wear on a daily basis. It would hug your body perfectly without exposing the flabs. Choose a perfect fit, one that is not too loose or too tight. Baggy clothing can get caught in the moving or rotating parts or gears of your bicycle which can cause accidents or injuries. And, do not forget the basics, knee pads, elbow pads, and helmet.
5. Inspect your bicycle before hitting the road. This is another important and basic thing which is sometimes missed out. It would be convenient to just hop on your bike and get on the road at once, but to be safe, check it first. Test the brakes. Make sure there are working properly. Check the tires for air pressure. Make sure your chain is clean and free from any debris. Also, make sure you will ride on a bike for heavy people.
