Cycling is an amazing fitness tool, for you as well as for your family. It is also an environmentally friendly and economic form of transportation. But because cycling is done at relatively high speeds, and often on the same roads as cars, it can be dangerous.
Why would you want to add risk for yourself by doing really dumb stuff and making poor choices about gear and your safety? Joseph Wentzell, a United States Cycling Federation certified coach and Category 2 level racer, reports what he sees cyclists doing wrong.
Here's his top 10 list of the most stupid things he sees cyclists doing:
- Ride a bike that has not been inspected and tuned up by trained bike mechanics.
- Ride a bike without a helmet, or allow your children or loved ones to ride without a helmet.
- Ride without sunglasses or some sort of protective eye wear.
- Ride farther than you are ready for.
- Go for a fitness ride or long ride without water.
- Ride barefoot or with sandals or flip flops.
- Listen to music through headphones while riding in traffic.
- Ride on the wrong side of the road, or do not obey traffic laws.
- Ride while trying to carry something in your hands.
- Ride a bike while inebriated.
If you can avoid these 10 things, according to Wentzell, then you are on your way to enjoying a fun – and safe – ride. Stop by your local bicycle retailer for more tips, a bike safety check, a tune up, and recommendations for places to ride. |
