by Abbott Tearce

Bicycles may be the smallest wheeled objects on the road, but in the eyes of the law, they are vehicles nonetheless. As vehicle operators, cyclists must follow the same rules, laws and regulations as other drivers.

Legally, the only difference between a bicycle and the average car is a few thousand pounds. But, when you’re sharing the road, it’s a big difference. That’s why proper protection is crucial.

No cyclist should purchase a bike without also buying the necessary safety gear. With the right accessories your journey will be more comfortable, more fun and above all, a lot safer.

The number one rule of safe cycling is to wear a proper helmet. Riding with a helmet is the law in some places, and it’s simply the smartest way to ride. There are many helmets available on the market, and some offer a higher degree of protection than others.

Ask for assistance at a professional cycle shop to make the best choice. Look for a helmet that is not only comfortable, but is constructed of top-quality materials to provide the best protection.

Saving a few bucks on a cheaper model is no bargain if you suffer head injury from an accidental fall. It’s important that the helmet you choose fits properly to prevent neck pain, and is well-ventilated to provide adequate heat release on during long, hot rides.

If you ride without protection because you don’t like the look or feel of a helmet, or if you just don’t believe that you’ll ever get into a cycling accident, take a trip to a group home or hospital. The results of head injury are truly devastating, and it can happen to anyone.

On the road and on the trail, cycling can be thirsty business. That’s why so many bikes are equipped with bottle cages. Water bottles can be dangerous, however, so many wise cyclists use hydration packs instead. Hydration packs give cyclists the benefits of fresh water without the hassle and danger of using a water bottle. These handy accessories also have storage spaces for keeping keys, cell phone, money and snacks.

Using water bottles can cause cyclists to lose control, speed and concentration, but it is essential to stay hydrated during long rides and on hot, sunny days. Invest in a hydration pack. You can always use your existing water bottle cage to store an extra refill in case of an emergency.

Any cyclist who’s ever taken a bug or a bit of debris in the eye will tell you that eyewear is a crucial component of your safe biking gear. Not only does good eyewear protect your eyes from debris, it also shields the bright sunlight. Serious riders purchase proper cycling goggles, while others opt for less expensive sunglasses.

So long as it is good quality eyewear that fits properly, the choice is really yours. Lenses should be orange or yellow to brighten the road or track, light up dark and shady. In the evening or on overcast days, these lenses really do wonders for your visibility on the road.

If you’re a casual or recreation cyclist, you can ride in just about any type of clothing. Long distance and extreme cyclists, however, often opt for padded cycling shorts. The padded seat makes riding more comfortable, and the soft material helps to prevent rashes and chafing.

Many cyclists are surprised to learn that half-finger gloves can be considered safety gear. These gloves are padded to protect the palms, yet allow the fingers to move freely. Cyclists who wear these gloves are less likely to develop calluses and rashes, and so can ride for extended periods of time without pain.

Don’t overlook the safety aspects of the bicycle itself. If you are cycling for health reasons, don’t be afraid to invest in a more expensive model. The extra money you’ll spend is well worth the overall safety and comfort a lightweight bike with good suspension can bring.

Cyclists are expected to share the road with vehicles many, many times the sizes and weight. Accidents can, and do, happen without warning. Invest in good quality safety gear and use it every time you ride.

Contributor Donald Taylor is a regular columnist for a variety of well-known web sites, on sports and leisure and sports recreation issues. Click here for other unique ‘cycling’ articles.

Tags: bicycle tires, bicycle handlebars, specialized bicycle

by Benedict Neel

Bike riding is a great way to have fun and stay fit, but it can also be the source of serious knee pain.

Cyclists sometime acquire a type of knee pain known as IT band syndrome. This painful condition is caused by a stretching of the iliotibial tissue.

This thick, fibrous tissue that runs form the hip to the knee becomes stretched, due to the constant up and down motion of the legs while cycling. When stretched, the tissues begin to rub against the bony portions of the knees or hip, causing serious pain.

IT band syndrome commonly affects beginner cyclists, because rookies will ride for hours on end without paying proper respect to the wellness of their knees and feet. Poor sitting position, cleat alignment, hard riding and a faulty saddle are other causes of knee pain. Simple body anatomy can also be a culprit.

Riding more slowly is the only way to reduce this type of pain. When the cycling motions slow down, the body has more time to adapt to the physical stresses. Stretching before and after cycling, and minimizing hard riding, can also help to reduce the effects of IT band syndrome.

Altering your bicycle can take the edge off of your cyclists’ knee pain. Take your bike to a cycle shop and for a professional opinion. The solution may be as simple as raising or lowering the seat. The area of your pain can indicate a problem with your seat height.

Pain behind the knee indicates a seat positioned too high, while pain in the patella may be caused by a seat too low. Improperly positioned cleats can also cause pain.

Cleats should be neutral, not floating too much internally or externally. Again, a cycle shop professional can help, using a “fit kit” to help find the perfect cleat position.

Another common cycling-related injury is chondromalacia. This painful condition is caused when the cartilage behind the patella is under constant pressure, such as in cycling.

If knee injury strikes, try alleviating your discomfort by strengthening the quadriceps muscles along the front of your thighs. This can be as simple as sitting in a chair and stretching your legs.

Your doctor or physiotherapist will be able to suggest other strengthening exercises. Another way to alleviate the pain of cyclists’ knee injury is to avoid sideways movements while pedaling.

It’s important to reduce your riding time until your knee pain subsides, or you may risk further injury. Rest your knee and apply ice packs to alleviate the pain.

When riding, avoid bumpy surfaces and high speed cycling. Keep your muscles loose by applying ice and doing stretches before you ride. In cold weather riding, be sure to keep your legs warm.

Cyclists’ knee pain can indicate more serious conditions. If your pain persists or becomes worse, see a doctor or visit a sports clinic for a complete analysis.

Benedict Neel contributes to a number of Internet sites, on recreation and outdoor recreation subjects. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

Tags: bicycle, bicycle saddles, bicycle lights