Enhancing Safety and Enjoyment: Gear and Tips for Bike Commuters

Apart from providing tips for finding a commuter bike, I also want to provide guidance on how to actually commute so it is safer and more enjoyable. After five years in an urban environment without major incident (and learning some lessons too late!), I have picked up on several points (some which I wish had been learned earlier!) which may encourage other experienced bike commuters while easing any fears they might be harboring about cycling to work or wherever.

Do not feel overwhelmed or intimidated by this list, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions that arise. Commuting by bicycle has become one of my favorite healthy habits over time; when weather prevents me from riding regularly I get very anxious and irritable! With these commuter bike gear and tips you will be able to bike more often while increasing enjoyment when doing so; safety features must always come first while some items related to gear may depend on personal preferences.

1. Wear Your Helmet Properly
It goes without saying that I need to emphasize this fact first – otherwise the bike helmet police would come out swinging. I know they look dorky, are uncomfortable and can mess up your hair but wearing one properly could save your life! Here’s an excellent helmet suitable for both road and trail riding: Here.

Head injuries pose the highest risk for bicyclists, accounting for one-third of emergency department visits, two-thirds of hospital admissions and three-fourths of deaths.

Here is a visual guide on how to fit and wear a bike helmet:

2. Increase Road Visibility
To stay safe on the road, always make yourself visible to drivers at all times. Here’s why:

Most drivers drive on autopilot: Have you ever found yourself looking back on a trip and realizing you don’t remember any part of it? Kind of unnerving isn’t it?
Many drivers are preoccupied with other things while driving, like using their smartphones, changing the radio station, daydreaming and watching. As such, their visibility/eyesight may suffer significantly; here’s what bikers can do to increase their visibility:

Wear clothing in bright hues. It will help you stand out and not become part of your environment, especially as darkness sets in.
Make eye contact when possible – especially at stop signs where many drivers focus on other cars rather than you – don’t assume a driver has seen you until they make direct eye contact and acknowledge you directly.
Use flashing bike lights when it gets dark to improve visibility and avoid potholes or roadblocks on your route, and improve both commuting experience and visibility. I suggest this quality US combo pack of front and rear flashing bike lights (I recommend this quality US combo pack of front and rear lights for optimal illumination). Reflectors won’t do. By lighting up your path to illuminate potholes or roadblocks while increasing visibility you also improve commuter experience while increasing path safety.
One-size-fits-all reflective leg bands are inexpensive and will keep your pants from getting caught in your chain, while enhancing visibility through color and reflection. Furthermore, reflective bike stickers can even help improve visibility through color and reflection.
3. Learn How to Give Proper Biking Hand Signals
Many drivers don’t recognize a biker’s lane change signal from a right turn signal; others do know.

Since you can never tell who will need assistance or not, ALWAYS signal.

Your signal sends the following message to others: ‘PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND PAY ATTENTION; I WILL DO SOMETHING.”

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