Bicycling has been a favorite sport and recreation choice for many decades. The “look” of the rider has made many changes over the years mostly due to safety. Here are a few do’s and don’ts regarding how to safely dress.
Helmets
Helmets are the most important safety item when riding a bike. Look for the seal of approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the Snell Memorial Foundation before purchase. Should a fall occur, the helmet will help shield the head from a potentially life threatening head injury. Fit is also important. Make certain that the helmet fits snugly on the head, without tipping forward or backward. Adjust the straps if necessary. The helmet should be flat on the top of your head. If you have taken a fall and smacked your helmet, do not use again; it may not withstand another blow. Replace the helmet; it’s a small price to pay for safety.
Gloves
Next to the helmet, gloves play an important part for hand safety. They allow for better gripping and control of the bike and will help to keep your hands dry. Many gloves come with additional padding which will help cushion your hands and absorb the shock of the road, while cycling, and if you should fall. Gloves also provide warmth during a cool ride. There are so many styles to choose from, let your inner child make the selection.
Shorts and Tops
There’s nothing worse than a sore butt. Shorts are available with padding and can make your ride much more comfortable and enjoyable. The synthetic liner will decrease the amount of chafing that may occur. A little hint, do not wear underwear with the shorts; they will feel like they are cutting into your skin. It is also advised to wear clothing that has reflective materials for better visibility at night. Oh, and those fancy spandex tops that you see are actually meant to decrease wind resistance on the body.
Glasses
Glasses help protect you from the sun and the wind. Wraparound lenses are best because they don’t interfere with peripheral vision, providing you with an unobstructed view. There are lots of styles as well; try on and simulate the riding experience to see which one is the best for you.
Shoes
The type of shoe that you use to ride a bicycle is a matter of preference and how much cycling you do. For the casual biker who may classify themselves as a weekender, a light hiking shoe or cross-trainer shoe may suffice. These shoes allow for biking as well as walking. For those that are dedicated to the sport, a stiffer, biking shoe may be more appropriate. They come either with or without clips, that fit into the pedal. The stiffness of the shoe helps to facilitate the power transfer to your pedals. REI provides a good summary of how to choose bike shoes.
Accessorizing your ride should be fun; but make safety the main concern.
Rosemary King - Stay well; stay healthy; stay focused.
