What's the biggest concern for road bike safety?
CARS! Each year in Utah, an average of 372 bicyclists are injured in crashes with motor vehicles and five are killed, according to the Utah State Health Department. Here are three ways to stay safe out on the road:
BE PROTECTED
The best way to stay safe is to make sure you have the proper protective gear. This includes the following:
- Helmet - Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way of reducing head injuries and deaths from a bicycle crashes.
- Glasses - In addition to protecting eyes from dirt, dust and a laundry list of projectiles, sunglasses are also the best way to protect your eyes from UV radiation.
- Gloves - Not only do gloves keep your grip secure once you’ve broken a sweat, they also protect your hands in case of a fall.
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BE SEEN
Another important rule of bike safety is to increase your visibility to help cars see you. You can do this by:
- Wearing bright colors & reflective clothing.
- Using tail lights and headlights on your bike.
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BE SMART
The third safety tip to keep in mind is to ride smart by being alert and following the rules of the road. This includes:
- Riding in the bike lane and holding your line (no swerving).
- Signaling where you are turning.
- Making sure drivers see you before crossing the road.
- Following all traffic rules.