If you are new into the sport of cycling, there are certain things that you need to be aware of before you get started. Cycling can be a dangerous sport especially if you plan on biking through crowded urban areas. The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about the written and unwritten rules of cycling. There are tons of resources and communities online where you can find information about the ins and outs of the sport. To help you get started, below are some practical tips for beginners like you.
1) Always think about safety first. Whether you are cycling through a mountain trail or through city streets, always see to it that you are wearing the right safety gear. These include wearing a helmet and knee pads if necessary. If you are cycling at night, always put on bike lights. There are also traffic rules that you need to follow when cycling through busy roads and streets.
2) Don’t ride with headphones on. There can be an exemption to this rule if you are 100% sure that there are no other riders or vehicular traffic going through your route. A huge percentage of cycling accidents often involve cyclists who aren’t aware about incoming traffic. If you want to ride with music on, try using a clip-on speaker. At least this won’t drown out the sound from your surroundings.
3) Get the appropriate gear. The gear you carry with you depends on the location of the bike trail. For instance, if you are going to commute to a mountain trail, it may be necessary for you to bring a folding bike as it will be a lot easier to lug around. If you are going for a biking trip that would take you more than a day, then it might be necessary for you to carry bike spare parts to prepare for unforeseen events.
The bottom line here is that if you are planning to get into cycling, make sure that you are well-prepared before you get on your first trip or race. Educate yourself about cycling etiquette, always keep safety in mind, and last but not the least, try to avail of biking gear that’s appropriate for the type of terrain you will be riding through.