The freedom and spirit of riding a bike is a beautiful thing, whether it’s used as a means of transportation or a way to stay fit, but regardless of the reason you ride, there are things to consider to keep yourself safe.

• Wear a helmet. Helmets aren’t just for kids, they protect adult heads, too. Find a helmet that fits snug and sits on the top of your head.
• Be visible. When riding at night use a white front light and a red rear light. Wear bright clothing at all times.
• Use hand signals. Make sure other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists know your intentions.
• Make eye contact. When stopped at intersections make sure cars know you are there before proceeding.
• Follow the rules of the road. Don’t expect motorists to respect you if you don’t obey the rules.
• When riding near parked cars, give yourself a 3ft berth to avoid car doors being opened in to you.
• Learn basic bike maintenance. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road because of a simple flat tire.
• Don’t wear headphones while riding. It’s important to hear when traffic is coming up along side you so you can anticipate any potential danger.
• Don’t ride against traffic, cut through parking lots or ride on sidewalks. Know where the bike lanes and paths are in your city/town. Many cities have spent a lot of money and resources to put them in place to protect cyclists, so take advantage of them.

Cycling is a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages in cities and towns across the world. Take the time to understand the rules of the road, invest in a good helmet for everyone in the family, and be visible to other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to get the most out of your cycling experience.