Basic Safety Tips

[jason]

Bike:

1. Make sure your bike is in good condition. Do a pre-trip. Check your tires, air pressure, wheels, spokes, cables, lights and most importantly brakes. I also check my frame once a month for cracks.
2. Kevlar tires & slime tubes are great to keep from going flat on a trip.
3. Plan your ride. Take less traffic streets if you have to go on the road. A bike plan path left with someone is also good if something goes wrong

Visibility:

1. Be Seen. Bright clothing, lights and reflectors.
2. Try using a turn signal. They make a tail, turn signal and brake light combo you can buy for the rear of your bike. Many people do not know hand gestures (other then the number one sign) and what they meat in traffic.

Personal Gear:

1. Helmet. I know most people hate them, but they work. Wear it. Spend the extra money to get a comfortable one you will actually wear.
2. Riding Gloves. I find I get a better grip with riding gloves, not to mention that it helps when you crash. Nothing worse then having your hands all scraped up.

Obey the law!

1. Ride with traffic. Bicycles are, legally, to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against traffic.
2. Signal for turns and always STOP at stop signs and red lights.
3. Remember pedestrians have the right of way over a bicyclist.

A good website for learning how to ride safely. Bicycle Safety: How to Not Get Hit by Cars

Feel free to post your own ideas for riding safe.

[le Metis]

On tours that will have you cycling rural areas carry a pepper spray to counter dogs

[jason]

Originally Posted by le Metis

On tours that will have you cycling rural areas carry a pepper spray to counter dogs

I started carrying that too. Although I was given a spray made for dogs. Not sure of the difference to be honest. But I'm hoping I never have to use it.

[Bambi]

All good points to remember, especially checking tire pressure regularly. I'm always amazed at how much air my tires lose. Also good to keep a portable pump with you for long trips.

[Sarah]

I have never used the slime tubes. We've gone mountain biking before and I would like to know the effect the slime tubes have on rotation speed. Is it a lot harder to pedal with the slime tubes?