Safety

from the back of a bike. com

Kit Miracle - Artist/Biker

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Safety

Safety is paramount when you're biking. I don't care how long you've been biking or how good you are, an accident can happen in an instant. According to ghostbike.org, 668 people on bicycles were killed in 2003. Two years ago, I had my first tumble since I was ten years old when a tiny twig got caught in my brake pad and locked up the front wheel, sending me over the handlebars with the bike on top of me. Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet so my most serious injury was a broken finger, some stitches, bruises and my pride. When I examined my helmet later, I realized that the front edge of the helmet only allowed me to take a good clip on the chin; otherwise, I'd have had some serious facial and head injuries. Saved by the Bell!

EQUIPMENT

Helmet - nearly any brand will do if it's certified. Make sure it fits your head size.
Mirror - especially necessary for seeing behind you in traffic. It will attach to your helmet easily or you may get one that fits your handlebar.
Be visible! You can get high-visibility clothing at your local bike shop or nashbar.com OR you can purchase an inexpensive orange hunter's vest at your local discount store for a few bucks. The key is to make sure drivers see you.
Gloves - I use padded gloves, winter or summer, for comfort from the pressure of leaning on the handlebars. It's a personal choice.
Padded shorts. Again, just for comfort.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Reflectors - there may be local or state regulations but it's always a good idea to have them all over your bike.
Basic bike repair equipment - a flat tire can leave you a long way from home.
Hot pepper spray - Dogs love to chase bicycles. It's in their nature. I find that if I talk gently to them, they will usually leave me alone. Unfortunately, not all of them are cooperative so if it's a choice of some serious injury to me or some temporary discomfort to the animal, I know what I will choose. It's a personal choice, of course, but you can buy hot pepper spray at nearly any hunting store. It attaches to your belt or waistband.*

SPECIAL NOTE TO WOMEN CYCLISTS

If you are traveling on your bicycle, you should use normal precautions. Go with a friend. Stay in populated areas. Be prepared for emergencies or to defend yourself (the hot pepper spray is good for two-legged creatures as well as four). Be aware of your surroundings.

*Special note to animal lovers: I have owned many dogs and my current dog still loves to chase bicycles. I love dogs but they don't always feel the same about me. In the past twenty years, I've only had to use this technique once against a particularly aggressive Pitbull.