eight cycling habits for safety and peace of mind

Eight good cycling habits to make your ride safer and more enjoyable.

1. Wear a helmet and gloves

New cyclists often overlook the importance of wearing a helmet and gloves. A helmet can protect your head in case of an impact, and some Western countries even mandate wearing a helmet to ride on the road. Gloves not only increase grip on the handlebars but also protect your palms in case of an accident.

2. Check tire pressure before setting off

Before taking your bike out of the garage, press the tire sides to check the pressure. Proper tire pressure makes riding easier and reduces the chance of a flat tire. It's also a good habit to carry small tools like a mini pump and a basic tool kit when you go out.

3. Yield to pedestrians and don't ride against traffic

As a cyclist, yielding to pedestrians and not riding against traffic are basic principles. Respecting others while showcasing the high quality of cyclists is a win-win situation.

4. Focus on riding and minimize listening to music

Wearing headphones while cycling is not a good habit. It prevents you from truly enjoying the music and easily distracts you, making it hard to hear your surroundings, which greatly increases danger!

5. Use hand signals when riding in a group

It's essential to learn some cycling hand signals before group rides. During the ride, use the learned hand signals to alert fellow riders behind you when changing lanes, changing direction, making sudden stops, or avoiding obstacles ahead.

6. Maintain a calm mindset and avoid racing

Impulsiveness is the devil! When encountering a faster rider or someone overtaking from behind, don't always think about competing with them. Competitiveness is not meant to be displayed on public roads; safety is the most important.

7. Choose the right gear ratio for a smooth start

Before needing to significantly slow down or stop at a red light, shift to an easier gear. This will make starting off much easier than others.

8. Stay hydrated and energized

Before cycling, prepare drinks and some energy-boosting snacks to replenish water and energy in a timely manner.

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