Top Advice For All New Bike Riders
Are you a new bike rider, excited to hit the road but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there? Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered!
Here, we’ll be sharing our top advice for new riders looking to make the most of their journey. Whether you’re commuting to work or simply enjoying some leisurely rides on the weekend, these tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on two wheels.
So grab your helmet and let’s get started!
Wear the Right Gear
The most important piece of advice for new bike riders is to wear the right gear. This includes a:
- helmet
- gloves
- proper shoes
A helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment for bike riders. It protects your head in the event of a fall or collision. Look for a helmet that fits snugly and is certified by the CPSC.
Gloves protect your hands from the elements and help you grip the handlebars. They also absorb vibrations from the road. Look for gloves that fit snugly and have padded palms.
Proper shoes are also important for bike riders. They should be stiff and have good treads to grip the pedals. Biker’s shoes often have cleats that clip into the pedals, making it easier to pedal efficiently.
Get Comfortable With Your Bike
Getting comfortable with their bike means taking the time to get used to the feel of the bike, the weight of the bike, and how the bike moves. It is also important to get comfortable with the controls on the bike, such as the brakes and gears.
One way to become more comfortable with your bike is to practice riding in a safe place, such as a park or empty parking lot. This will help you get used to balancing on the bike and pedaling.
Another way to become more comfortable with your bike is to take a beginner biking class. This can help you learn about the benefits of bikes, the proper biking techniques, and road safety.
Be Visible
You want to make sure that you are visible to both other bikers and motorists. Wearing bright clothing is a great way to make yourself more visible.
You can also attach reflective strips to your clothing or your bike. If you ride at night or in low-light conditions, consider investing in some lights for your bike.
Another way to increase your visibility is to ride in areas where there are more people around. This way, if something happens, there will be someone nearby who can help.
When passing other bikers or cars, give them plenty of space, so they don’t feel threatened. Use a bell or horn if you need to get someone’s attention. Loud sounds can startle people, so use them sparingly.
Follow Traffic Laws
An electric bike is considered a vehicle under the law and is subject to the same rules and regulations as other vehicles. When riding an electric bike, always follow the rules of the road and obey traffic signs and signals. Ride predictably so that drivers and other bikers can anticipate your movements.
Use hand signals when turning or stopping. Always yield to pedestrians. Never ride on the sidewalk unless permitted by local ordinance. Respect private property—ride only on designated trails or routes.
Wear a properly fitted biker’s helmet every time you ride—it could save your life! Check your bike before riding to make sure it is in good working order. Wear bright clothing when riding during the day and reflective gear when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means being aware of the traffic around you, as well as any obstacles in your path. Keep your head up and scan the area around you so that you can react quickly to anything that comes up.
Make eye contact with other bikers and drivers. This will help them see you and know that you’re aware of them. Be predictable in your riding. Don’t make sudden moves that could surprise someone else on the road.
Most importantly, always ride defensively and be prepared for anything that might happen on the road. By being cautious and aware of your surroundings, you can keep yourself and those around you safe while enjoying your ride!
Gas Up or Charge Your Bike
If you ride a gas-powered bike, make sure you have enough fuel for your ride and refuel as needed. Likewise, if you ride an electric bike, ensure your batteries are charged ahead of time and be mindful of where the battery charging stations are located in your area.
Additionally, if your bike is equipped with a digital fuel or battery indicator, keep an eye on it during your ride to make sure you don’t run out of fuel or juice unexpectedly. Finally, also remember to keep a spare set of batteries on hand in case you run out of power during your ride.
Follow This Top Advice For The New Bike Riders
Following this top advice for new bike riders will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make your rides safer and more enjoyable. Develop a routine bike maintenance and inspection schedule, always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, and never ride blindly on the streets and roads.
Make sure to obey all biker regulations and traffic laws for every ride. Start your journey today for an enriching and safe biking experience!