6 Essential Cycling Safety Tips

There has been a growing movement to go green, to reduce our carbon foot print, and many people are willing to put in a little more effort by using an alternative vehicle. Yes, a bicycle is a vehicle, although some still regard it as a leisure toy. When you refit your own bike with a bicycle motor kit, bicycle conversion kit, or buy a new electric bike you have a very effective, and inexpensive form of transportation that can get you almost anywhere at up to 20 + miles an hour. At a cost of just pennies a day many people are seeing how cost effective this is to filling up a metal beast with gas that comes from countries that are not our friendliest allies.

Going Green With An Electric Bicycle

Going green can be pretty simple in many ways, and riding a bicycle is just one simple way to start it. Electric bicycles have really taken off not just in the US but globally as well. Millions of people around the world ride bikes as their primary form of transportation. In the US, this can be more difficult to ride a bike unless you live in highly urbanized city as distances to get to your desired location can be expansive, and for the most part cars can get you their faster. However with an electric bike, you can be cruising to your destination at a rapid rate, get some physical exercise as well depending on how much you want to pedal, and save money on car insurance, gas, and car repairs too.

Remember as a child your parents put you on a bike, strapped on a bike helmet, told you to look out for cars, and be home for dinner at five. Those good ole days may be far from your memory if you are just getting reacquainted with cycling, so here are just a few reminders of other basic bike laws that need to be followed to keep you safe on the road. This is especially true if you are going to be riding an electric bicycle.

Cycling Safety Tips

If you decide to refit your own bicycle with a bicycle motor kit, bicycle conversion kit, or buy a new electric bicycle than there are a few essential motorized bicycle safety tips

1. Helmet: Always Wear a Correctly Fitted Bicycle Helmet

2. Adjust the Seat & Handle Bars: A bicycle should fit your own personal measurements, and you should adjust your seat and handle bars accordingly. Hold up your bike and stand over your bike. Measure 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike, and 3 to 4 inches if you have a mountain bike. Adjust the seat height to allow a slight bend of your knee when your leg is fully extended. Adjust the handlebar height to the same level as the seat.

3. Equipment Check: Before every ride it is very important to check your brakes, tire inflation, battery condition, that your bike has reflective tape or markings, and lights if you will be riding at night.

4. Clothing: Clothing is very important if you are using a bike to commute to work, or in busy traffic. You want to be clearly visible. Always put on something that reflects light especially at night. Wearing a bright colored vest in the day time may not seem the most fashion forward choice, but just because you see a car it does not mean that the car can see you as well.

5. Storage: If you use your motorized bicycle frequently for work, or errands you are going to need storage. This can consist of a backpack, basket or strap on storage. Never try and carry or ride your motorized bike with one hand, or carrying items. This type of bike goes very fast when engaged and can cause you or others serious injury. Always strap down, or contain any items you are carrying, and keep both hands on the handle bars! Staying in control of your bike is very important for your safety and the safety of others.

6. Road Hazards: Even riding a bike at a normal rate of speed can be dangerous, but when you strap a motor on a bicycle it doubles or triples your chance of injury if are not diligent in watching for road hazards. Road hazards can include- road debris, potholes, gravel, uneven riding surfaces, construction areas, animals, pedestrians, cars, bikes, motorcycles, or talking while riding with others. Remember just because you are riding a bike does not mean you can ignore traffic lights, or traffic signs designed for motorized vehicles.

Riding an electric bike or your own bike your with an electric bicycle motors kits calls for you to be more aware, and use good judgment. Any bike can be a wonderful way to get to work, the grocery store, your neighborhood, and almost anywhere else you might want to go. It is a great experience riding your motorized bike traveling with the wind in your hair, and getting to places faster and easier than ever before. Life is a journey, and an electric bicycle just makes it more fun!