As a cyclist, either as an athlete or someone who enjoys group rides, there are things you must consider — Safety.
I am going to mention few things that makes you safe on a Ride. These include wearables (what you put on).
Helmet
Lights
~headlights
~backlights
Cycling Wear
Let us focus on these for now*
Visibility
BACKLIGHTS on a bicycle are lights often mounted on your seat post, helmet or rear rack not for you to see but to makes your other drivers and pedestrians see you from behind.
Backlights keeps you a step further from being knocked down by a car. It improves visibility at all times and especially on foggy conditions, rain, haze/smoke and glare.
CYCLING WEAR are specialized clothing designed for cyclists which keeps you dry while cycling and improves comfort and performance. They are jerseys, padded shorts, gloves, glasses and shoes.
Cycling Wear makes you a unique road user. For me it shows you know what you're doing and puts on an outfit that fits the profession. Once you go out to ride, you're no longer a manager in a company or so a secretary or whatever role/profession you play, you are now a cyclist.
Putting cycling wear not only makes you aero or light weight, it protects you and makes you visible to other road users.
HELMET is a protective headgear which protects a cyclist (anyone who is cycling) from head injury if involved in a crash or accidents. It is the most important safety equipment for any rider, beginner, intermediate or professional.
Helmets make you look more like a responsible cyclist and rider in general. Any driver who sees you putting your helmets while cycling equally respects you not just as a person but as a road user.
People easily spot a cyclist with his complete cycling gear.
Kids cheer cyclists with their helmets and cycling gear that just a casual rider, because you stepped out of the usual and becomes unique while also being a safer rider.
In order to ride safely and be visible, here are a few tips you can follow focused on these three (3) areas mentioned above
Stay Visible
Backlights:
- Before every Ride, always remember to charge charge your backlights.
- Mount your rear backlights (red) on your seatpost or rear rack.
- During daytime, use flash modes on your backlights
- During night rides, use steady mode to drivers know your distance.
- Charge your backlight. A dead backlight is like no backlight.
Cycling Wear:
- Wear a bright-coloured jersey or reflective jacket (orange, yellow, white, etc).
- Avoid black or dark clothing as you blend into the roads and become less visible.
- If possible/available, at dawn, dusk or at night, wear a reflective vest or strips.
Helmet:
- Always wear a helmet that fits you and is snuggly on your head
- Choose helmets with bright colours or with built-in LEDs or reflective stickers.
- Adjust your Helmet straps that a little gap (which fits two finger) is available. A loose helmet will not protect you.
tip* follow all safety rules available on manual and from Coach or captain.
In order to Do All You Can To Stay Visible, you need to make safety a priority. There is no fun in having an injured teammate.
Remember, if a driver can see you, they can avoid you. Visibility is Survival.