How to Choose Equipment for Cycling Safety

The ease and stability of cycling sometimes give a false impression that cycling is always safe. However, even when you're away from traffic, taking a fall from a fast moving bike can mean big trouble. It's critical that you not only use safety equipment but choose the right safety equipment for the kind of cycling you do.

Instructions

1. Think about the kind of cycling you do. Cycling on the street, for example, is very different from bombing down a mountainside. Think of where, how and what time of day you usually cycle. From there you can look to the right kind of safety equipment for your the type of cycling you do.

2. Find out about local legal requirements. Some states and cities, for example, require helmets and lights on all bikes. Other areas require neither, or one or the other. Check with your local transportation authority to see what kind of safety is required for cyclists in order to choose gear that is in accordance with the law.

3. Check with the experts. Websites like BicycleSafety.com offer tips and ideas about cycling and cycling safety equipment. However, if you want to speak with an expert in person, head down to your local cycling store and ask the sales representatives about different pieces of equipment. Usually, these cyclists have used a lot of the safety equipment they sell and can give you good recommendations to help you make the right choice.

4. Do your helmet research. Nearly all cycling safety experts agree that the single most important piece of safety equipment is a helmet. However, not all helmets are made equal so you need to do some research about what is best and what works best for you. Helmets.org is a good place to start since it provides governmental position papers, product reviews and links to head injury organizations. Start at Helmets.org and scour the information to make the right equipment choice for you.