Although the fall months feature shorter days and cooler weather, it can still be worth your while to spend time riding your bike outdoors. However, it is important that you take steps to ensure that you can enjoy your ride safely. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to avoid getting hurt while on your bike.
1. Keep Your Focus on Your Surroundings
During the fall season, it isn’t uncommon to come into close contact with deer or other animals while they forage for food or look for a mate. If you see a newborn or young animal, assume that its mother is nearby and that she will take steps to protect her offspring.
Depending on when you ride, there is a chance that roads or trails will be covered by leaves or other debris. Therefore, you may experience a loss of traction throughout your ride, and it might be more difficult to see potholes or other obstacles in your path. You can reduce the risk of getting into an accident by reducing your speed.
2. Make Yourself As Visible as Possible
Ideally, you will wear reflective clothing and attach a light to your bike if you are riding at dusk or overnight. It can also be a good idea to wear bright or reflective clothing if you are planning on riding while it is raining or if a fog has developed. This is because drivers and others may have trouble seeing anything that is more than a few feet in front of them.
3. Exposed Skin Should Be Kept to a Minimum
It is important to cover as much of your body as possible while riding your bike. Covering your skin can help to protect it from cuts or scratches in the event that you fall or collide with another object. Furthermore, exposed skin is more vulnerable to frostbite, bug bites, or other problems that can be avoided by wearing a jacket, pants, and gloves. Clothes made from materials such as wool or polyester can provide adequate coverage without making you feel bulky or uncomfortable.
4. Inspect Your Bike Before Riding
If your bike has a broken chain, has difficulty changing gears, or has defective brakes, it isn’t safe to ride. Inspecting a bike prior to riding it allows you to discover and fix any problems that could put your safety at risk. If necessary, bring the bike to a professional who you trust to do quality work in a timely and affordable manner.
While riding a bike can be a great way to connect with nature, it’s important that you do so safely. Therefore, do your best to avoid distractions and keep yourself visible to reduce the risk of getting hurt while biking outdoors.
