Basic Tips for Cycling Safety

As my safety month comes to a close; I thought a post from some industry associates in Colorado was apropos. I hope you enjoy as I let them weigh in on the issue...

In an effort to stay physically active, more people than ever are beginning to reap the benefits of cycling. Although cycling is a very exciting way to exercise, the rider must contend with potentially dangerous obstacles such as passing traffic and environmental hazards. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when commuting via a bike.

Stay visible
It is of the utmost importance that every cyclist stays visible at all times. Wearing extremely bright clothing is a great way to alert inattentive motorists. Never ride a bike without first installing the appropriate reflectors.

Inspect the bike before hitting the road
Although a traditional bike is not equipped with a motor, it stills needs to be properly maintained. Some of the most important things to do before heading out include checking the tire pressure, inspecting the chain, and testing the brakes. It is also advisable to keep a tire repair kit on hand during the journey.

Obey the law
When traveling along public roads, cyclists must remember to obey all of the traffic laws. Even if no vehicles are present on the road, make it a habit to always use the appropriate head signals.

Stay alert
Although cycling can be a very relaxing experience, it is still important to stay attentive to the surroundings. Looking ahead for oncoming obstacles such as parked vehicles and potholes will help to keep the rider safe. Readers that desire to obtain more cycling information can click here.

Are Helmets Getting Uglier?

''Form follows function'' - a design mantra attributed to Louis Sullivan; Chicago architect and designer of some of America's most recognizible buildings including Manhattan's Flatiron. The principle being that you need to ensure that an object will serve the intended purpose (be functional) before you set out to make it beautiful (perfect its form).

I think helicopters are an excellent example of form follows function. After all: when was the last time you looked at a helicopter and said ''That's one beautiful helicopter!'' Yeah, I can't remember either. And, I love helicopters - I'm a big aviation nut - but as much as I love the AH-64 Apache, it is NOT pretty. Functional beyond the shadow of a doubt, but ugly as sin.

Now that we've established my understanding of modern design (or lack thereof), I think we can also easily establish that we all understand that the primary function of a good helmet is to protect the wearer from impact induced injury. After all, how many of us wear a helmet to look cool?

Show of hands?

What Can Richard Sherman Teach us About Cycling?

Richard Sherman's infamous post-game rant: NFL.com Video here...

I'm dedicating the month of January to safety. And Richard Sherman is a Cornerback, not a Safety - so that's not the tie-in... nice try though. ;)

Even if you don't follow the NFL or aren't a football fan you have probably heard something about this story on the news or social media. The "rant heard 'round the world" has garnered quite a reaction (and an elevated profile for Mr. Sherman, which he certainly appreciates). And, all the cool bloggers are covering it, so I figured I'd jump into the fray! What's to lose? Right?

Is this a stretch? Nope, you'll soon see. Stick with me here...

Maintaining the Motivation to Exercise

"You said it was a safety-themed month. What does this have to do with safety, Matt?" I can hear you all asking right now...

Without stretching or grasping at straws; here's your answer: Without exception, the times that I have experienced my greatest exercise related injuries and accidents all occurred when I was fighting to get back into a routine after taking time off. If I'm being honest with myself; most of my "time off" has been for lack of motivation, and not other, possibly more "legitimate" reasons.

I've dealt with the topic of motivation before, in fact; you could consider it a cornerstone of the blog as my first post addressed the topic directly.

So, without further adieu; our latest contribution on Motivation. Enjoy.

It is easy to say, I will exercise but what about the commitment and discipline. We need to motivate ourselves in order to sustain regularity and continuity.  We must have that inspiration to do exercise.  If we can have models in our mind, perhaps we can identify with them and be motivated to exercise.  Even without idols as long as we keep in mind that our bodies are God’s temples and without these bodies we won’t be able to carry our spirits nor achieve our purpose here on Earth.  Therefore, let’s get physical.

Don’t Just Spin Your Wheels: Road Safety Tips for Cyclists

January is taking on a bit of a safety theme with this next post - perhaps I'll continue that through the month with some of my own contributions on the topic as it is something I think of often while I'm riding.

Some of the safety errors I see by fellow riders make me sad and want to share some tips to help us all be safer and make the roads a better place for all users. But I tend to get bogged down in all the tech stuff because it's what I'm such a geek for... So; with that, I'll let my associate from Adams Law Firm in Texas kick off the rest of the month with some great tips. Enjoy!
With cars zipping past you at forty miles an hour, cycling on public roads can be a terrifying experience for new and experienced riders alike. That's why personal injury lawyer Kelvin Adams recommends knowing the best ways to keep yourself safe while riding your bicycle.

​What to Wear

The first, and most important, thing a rider can do to protect themselves is to always wear a helmet when riding. Brain injury is the most likely cause of death in a cycling crash. Even if it is not required by law to wear one in your area, it as very important to wear a properly fitting helmet. Also important is making sure that drivers are able to see you. High-visibility clothing and bicycle mounted reflectors will make cyclists more noticeable to motorists, making it easier to avoid hitting them. Front and rear lights should also always be used when cycling at night.

Plan Ahead

Some places are safer for cyclists than others, so it is a good idea to plan a route before leaving home. Roadside bicycle lanes, dedicated bicycle paths and multi-use paths are the safest places to ride. Roads with a wide, unobstructed shoulder are also good.

Keep Kids Cycling Safe This Winter With Fun Gear And Accessories

As a father to three bike-crazy boys, this post from Crispin Jones piqued my interest as one that was worth sharing with you all in this new year. It is a departure from my usual topics, but important, worth while,and near to my heart.

Let's keep our kiddos safe out there folks so they get all the years of cycling joy they have coming to them! Thanks, Crispin! Readers: enjoy...






As the nights start to draw in earlier, many children will find themselves cycling home from school in the dusk. It's important for any cyclist to ensure that they are safe and can be seen when it gets darker, so there's a wide range of protective gear available to ensure your kids are safe on the road. Here are some practical but fun ideas worth considering.
Bike helmet
A bike helmet is a must for cycling at any time of day, but it's even more important to protect your head when cycling in the dark. There are lots of styles and colours of bike helmets to choose from, but the important feature is that the helmet should be a good fit and sturdy. Old helmets that have taken a few knocks and scuffs will need replacing and won't give your kids the protection they need. For the fun element, get a helmet in a cool design such as a dinosaur shape or with funky colours, motives, spots or favourite characters.
High visibility vests
If your child is going to be cycling in the dark then a high visibility vest is a real must to ensure they are clearly seen by other road users.