6 Safety Tips for Riding Your Bike to Work that Could Save Your Life

Although it is becoming increasingly popular to ride your bike to work, it is important that you understand several safety tips in order to avoid being seriously injured in an accident.

There are many different ways that you can become involved in an accident. But knowing how to prevent them could reduce your chances of ending up in the hospital and dealing with years of chronic pain and medical bills

Tip#1: Use a Headlight

Any time you are riding at night or early in the morning, you should always use a front headlight. This is especially true if you get up early in the morning to trek into work before the sun rises!

Not only is it important that you see where you are going and obstacles coming at you, it’s also important that others see you. Remember it’s not all about being able to see; it’s also about being seen.

Always use a headlight when it’s dark.

Tip#2: Use Hand Signals

Hand signals give drivers an extra indication of where you are going—and can even significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident. If you don’t know your hand signals, then it’s time you brush up on them before you get out on the road. And, remember, never assume a driver knows where you are going…

Tip#3: Ride Off the Side of the Road

Just because you have the opportunity to ride on the side of the road and share it with vehicles doesn't mean that you always should. This is especially true if you are commuting to and from work during busy traffic times and when people might not be paying complete attention.

You should always try to find the safest possible path on the street for your bike. This is not always directly on the side, even if it appears like it might be very convenient.

Tip#4: Slow Down

If it is hard for you to make eye contact with a vehicle driver and you don't want to completely stop, then make sure that you slow down and always adhere to general safety guidelines.

Tip#5: Never Ride Against Traffic

Riding with traffic - in the same direction it is moving - is the best way to approach getting to work on your bike. It might seem like a good idea to ride against traffic because you can see the cars coming at you, but it is not. This is because cars that pull out of driveways, across streets, and out of parking lots are expecting traffic to come at them from a completely opposite direction.

Finally, riding the wrong way is against the law and puts you at significant risk of suffering from an accident. According to one research study, riding on the wrong side of the road was three times as dangerous as riding in the right lane!

Tip#6: Wear Safety Gear

You should always wear a helmet and any other safety gear, such as a fluorescent vest that notifies others of your presence. These might seem like small, trivial or unnecessary steps, but the truth is they can be crucial to avoiding an accident—or even saving your life!

Related Link : 6 Tips to Avoid Accidents with Cars While Cycling

Practicing safe bicycling is the best way to avoid becoming an unfortunate safety statistic. Use common sense when riding your bike to work. You are sharing the road with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, so be sure to keep this in mind no matter where your bike travels may take you.

It is always recommended that you follow guidelines and keep your eyes on the road.