5 Tips for Cyclists: Avoiding Hazards on the Road or Trail

Hazards on the road can be one of the main challenges to cyclists. Sometimes it’s not that these hazards are out to get us, but that our own inability to pay attention and focus on the road or trail ahead of us can get us into trouble. In order to stay safe on you’re bike, you’re going to have to keep your mind steadily concentrated on the task at hand. Here are five tips for avoiding common cycling hazards.

Tip #1: Keep the head up. You’ll notice that professional cyclists seem to ride with a very precise movement – almost like horse jockeys who stay in the same position while the horse beneath them moves and moves. These cyclists almost always keep their heads up, because that’s where the action is. Keeping your head up doesn’t mean always focusing on the horizon, but you should keep your eyes on the road or trail ahead. Many hazards can be avoided simply by looking forward.

Tip #2: Slow down when entering a high-hazard area. If you have to travel through a parking lot, for example, it’s probably a good idea not to keep the same speed you had while rolling down the hill. Instead, slow down. The slower you’re going, the more reaction time you give yourself between the time you spot a danger and pulling on those breaks. High-hazard areas should be treated with caution. You can exercise harder on a smoother road.

Tip #3: Try to avoid potholes and borders. Road borders – such as on the shoulder of the road – can sometimes mean that one tire is on the dirt while another is on pavement. Try to avoid these, as well as potholes, in order to keep your tires on the steady track. This doesn’t mean you should get in cars’ way, but you should be mindful of where your limits are. Don’t challenge your tires.

Tip #4: Steer around potential problem areas. You might be confident that you’d roll through shards of glass, but don’t be so sure. Instead, be careful and steer around these problem areas – just make sure you don’t make sudden movements if any cars are around.

Tip #5: Cross railroad tracks at a right angle. If you cross railroad tracks from the side – at a ninety-degree angle from the direction of the tracks – you shouldn’t have too much of a problem with them. Go over them slowly and make sure that you go at them from the right angle. Also, make sure no trains are coming.

Photo Credits: Jeff Kubina

Originally posted 2009-08-28 03:40:47.

This post involves:

borders, cars, caution, challenges, dirt, eyes on the road, hazard area, hazard areas, horizon, horse jockeys, parking lot, pavement, potholes, precise movement, problem areas, professional cyclists, reaction time, shards of glass, shoulder of the road, tires

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Biking, Safety

Posted by Bike Swim Run on December 22, 2009 in Biking, Safety. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.