Riding a bicycle represents an ecological and healthy way to move, as well as a rewarding and fun experience: whether it is using the bike for daily commutes or to practice a sport, pedaling regularly can help prevent diseases, improve fitness physical, reduce stress and even increase happiness. Cycling is definitely a safe and healthy activity, but like any sport it has possible risks that are good to know and prevent: it is important to be adequately informed and prepared to avoid inconveniences along the way. In this article, we will provide some practical suggestions to take into consideration before starting a cycling trip.
Carry out a check-up on your bike
Before setting off, it is advisable to carry out a complete check-up on your bicycle to ensure that it is in optimal condition for riding. Checking the brakes, tires, gears and drive system, adjusting the seat height, tightening the handlebars and tightening the pedals are essential to ensure safe and efficient operation during your trip. Riding a bicycle is equivalent to establishing a real relationship of trust with your vehicle, putting it in the best conditions to express itself must be our priority.
Choose appropriate clothing
Even for a five-minute bike ride, it is essential to equip yourself with a protective helmet and favor high-visibility clothing. With a season that tends to be hot it is essential not to cover up too much, with the risk of falling ill, in this sense you can opt for breathable clothes. Finally, if you start with a racing bike, you need to pay attention to the shoes and immediately buy those with the cleats to attach to the quick release pedals.
Pay attention to the lighting
The issue of lighting is of fundamental importance: when cycling in the city the priority is to be seen, and if you are in a well-lit area, a 10 lux headlight (unit of measurement of the illumination of a given surface) is the minimum recommended . This will allow the cyclist to be seen but will not increase visibility: here the lumens come in handy, which instead measure the light intensity emitted by a source, such as explained on this page.. The front lighting in this case must be between 20 and 100 lumens, while 15 will be sufficient for the rear light.
Bring accessories and documents with you
Before leaving, you must make sure you have with you all the accessories and documents necessary for the trip. It is always advisable to bring a bottle of water to hydrate along the route, a pump and a repair kit for any emergencies. Depending on the duration of the outing, it is recommended to have a banana, an energy bar or sandwiches with jam with you. Furthermore, having identity documents and a mobile phone with you for communications and emergency calls is important, as is a sheet with relevant medical information that can be crucial in the event of an accident.
Maintain good riding posture and choose the appropriate route
When riding a bicycle, maintaining a comfortable and correct posture is important to avoid muscle tension and pain. Once in motion, you must always have your fingers on the brake levers, only in this way will you be ready to avoid pitfalls. Under no circumstances should you look at your feet or behind you if you are a beginner. Finally, choosing the right route is essential for a safe and pleasant ride: opting for cycle lanes and roads with little traffic helps to reduce the risk of accidents and to fully enjoy the journey.
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