As the country gradually goes back to normal, expect the roads to get more crowded each day. People are now going back to their workplaces, visiting their loved ones, and spending some much-deserved leisure time outdoors. Those who prefer not to get stuck in traffic can opt to ride bikes instead of taking their cars. If you’re seriously considering this, you must remember all the bike to work safety tips we have listed down here.
Benefits of Biking to Work
You may be asking why you have to ride a bike to work when you already have a nice car. Driving a car is nice but cycling to work has plenty of benefits.
1. Avoids traffic
One of the worst things about aside from annoying co-workers is the travel to and from the workplace. Traffic jams are ordinary everyday experiences if you reside and work in the city. That is why more and more people are biking to work instead of taking their cars or riding public transport.
If you take your bike, you can easily maneuver the roads. Even if you take a longer route, you may still get to work faster than when you’re in a car.
2. Easier to park
Another disadvantage of driving your car to work is parking. It’s quite difficult to find a parking space near your workplace. If you opt for a car park, you may still have to deal with the queue. Plus, you have to pay just to park your car.
Some workplaces provide parking spaces or racks for bikes. All you need is a high-quality lock to keep your bike safe.
3. Improves physical and mental physical health
The physical aspect of cycling to work is quite obvious. You get to do some physical exercise which will definitely benefit your body. Biking strengthens the immune system, improves heart and lung health, and helps you attain your desired weight.
Cycling also improves your mental well-being. Under the right circumstances, your bike ride to work should help calm your mind. Being outdoors and breathing fresh air (if you’re not riding through a smog-filled city) should help relieve some stress and treat depression.
4. Good for the environment
Riding bikes produce less carbon footprint than riding cars or buses. Bikes don’t need fuel or emit smoke.
5. Saves you money
Other than spending your money on a nice bike and gear, you really don’t pay for much when you bike to work. Cars are obviously more expensive than bikes. You need to keep them in good running condition, which also costs a lot. Let’s not forget the fuel.
6. It’s fun!
Cycling is fun. Yes, you can do it in your free time and bike too far away places while enjoying the scenery. Biking to work provides a different kind of fun, though. Aside from enjoying the ride itself, you also feel happy knowing you won’t be late for work or spend on gas or fare.
Bike to Work Safety Tips
Now that you’re convinced that using a bicycle to get to work is the better option, you should learn some bike to work safety tips so you’ll stay in one piece.
1. Follow road rules
Whenever you’re on the road, you should obey the rules. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving, commuting, or riding your bike. You should always be aware of road rules so you don’t get in any kind of trouble.
Use the bike lane at all times. Don’t wander off to the middle of the road or on the sidewalk. If you have to move or make a turn, slow down and inform other riders or drivers using hand signals. Look both ways and yield to approaching vehicles before making your move.
Yield to pedestrians. Wait for them to pass before proceeding. Always stay in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Finally, learn all the traffic signals and signs and follow them.
2. No need for speed
You’re no Evel Knievel. Bike at a safe speed and avoid performing stupid stunts. You just need to get to work and go back home safely. Don’t go GTA on your bike. One wrong move and you might end up in the hospital or worse, six feet under. This is no computer game where you can get an extra life.
3. Choose the right bike
There are different kinds of bikes for different road conditions. For city riding, you need a road bike or a commuter bike. A hybrid or cross bike will also work, especially if you wish to use your bike outside of work. A comfort bike will provide a, well, comfortable ride. Other bicycles you can consider are e-bikes, folding bikes. You also need to consider the size or height of the bike. Choose one that suits your size perfectly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_3800-dSZk&ab_channel=AllAboutWikiAllAboutWiki
4. Wear a helmet that fits properly
It is of utmost importance to protect your noggin. In case you’re sideswiped or you fall from your bike, a helmet will protect your head. Make sure it fits you perfectly. Too tight and you’ll be uncomfortable. Too loose and it’ll fall right off.
5. Always check your bike and gear
Just like with cars, you need to check your bike regularly. Make sure it’s in good condition to avoid any accident while you’re on it. Keep it clean. Inflate the tires and see if they’re properly aligned. Check the tread and change the tires if necessary.
Make sure the brake pads are working. See if your bike locks are working properly. You don’t want your bike to go missing, do you?
6. Be visible
Cyclists are susceptible to road accidents. You can get in an accident even if you’re careful. There will always be distracted drivers and those who think they own the road. You also have to deal with drivers who may be unfit to be behind the wheel or have medical emergencies while driving.
Aside from following road rules, the best way to stay safe while biking is to be visible. Wear bright colors whenever you’re on your bike. Neon and fluorescent outfits are also highly visible.
Since you’re biking to work, you can pack your work clothes in your bag and change them once you get to your destination. You can also wear your biking clothes over your work clothes though you might get them sweaty.
Another option is to wear something that reflects light. Stick some reflective tape on your clothes, helmet, and bike. Flashing lights is also recommended.
7. Free your hands
You need at least one hand to be in control of your bike. Avoid letting go of your handlebars while moving. Use a backpack or carrier for your stuff.
8. Pay attention
One of the more obvious bicycle safety tips we can give you is to be alert. Some cyclists listen to music while biking. This is not a good idea. Pay attention to your surroundings so you can avoid accidents.
9. Avoid biking at night
It’s hazardous to bike at night. It will be hard to see you even if you have bright clothes or reflective tape on. If you have to do overtime or power goes out in the city, just leave your bike at work or walk it home.
Bring a headlamp so you can light the way. This will be useful whether you decide to ride your bike or walk it home in the dark.
10. Don’t drink and bike
Avoid riding your bike when intoxicated. Your vision will be blurry and your reflexes will not be that good. You need both to be in tiptop form to get home safe.
11. Don’t bike if you are sick or drowsy
Are you feeling under the weather? Were you able to get some sleep last night? If you answered “yes” and “no” to the respective questions, then you may want to skip biking to work for now.
12. Check the weather
One of the bike to work safety tips that some riders tend to forget is to check the weather. Those who’ve been using their bikes for quite some time now probably know this already but you should know if it’s going to be sunny, rainy, or windy when you go out. Knowing the weather forecast will help you prepare for your ride. But to be sure, always wear sunscreen and bring waterproof gear in your backpack.
13. Watch out for obstacles
Be wary of obstacles on the road. Look out for gravel, puddles, mud, icy patches, and wet cement. If you see a ball bouncing right before you, slow down and be ready to stop in case a child suddenly appears.
14. Ride with a friend
Two is better than one. There’s a better chance of being seen if you’re not biking alone. Ask a friend to bike with you so you can watch each other’s back. When something happens to you, your bike buddy can call for emergency medical services and provide first aid.
15. Bring a first aid kit for you and your bike
If you get hurt, you can treat yourself with the help of your mini first aid kit. In case it’s your bike that gets hurt, your patch kit and small tools should help.
Aside from these two, you should also have an everyday carry kit. This emergency kit contains some of the basic items you need to survive each day. Such items include your phone, charger, wallet, keys, and other things you simply can’t leave behind. You also need a food bar or some kind of energy-boosting snack, water bottle, multi-tool, pepper spray, whistle, and pen and paper.
There are lots of other bike to work safety tips out there. Do more research and talk to other riders so you’ll know everything on how to be safe on a bike. Follow Gentleman Pirate Club for more safety tips like these.
