| Summertime is a great time for outdoor sports, one of | | | | safe manner. |
| which has become popular with the majority of age | | | | Choosing the road or route one takes is important as |
| groups -bicycling! This is a great sport for getting | | | | less traveled highways decrease the amount of traffic |
| exercise and enjoying the outdoors, but also requires | | | | the bicyclist has to deal with. Roads with slower traffic |
| knowledge of some key personal safety rules to | | | | are best, as speed always increases the chance of |
| ensure you stay safe and accident-free. | | | | accidents. Wide streets are better than narrow streets |
| First and foremost, the smart bicyclist will wear helmet | | | | giving more room for both the bicyclist as well as the |
| gear; in my state of Florida it is a law for anyone under | | | | driver on the road. |
| the age of eighteen and I believe most of the other | | | | The bicyclist should also be sure he or she is alert at all |
| states have similar laws as well. Each and every | | | | times, so that means wearing headphones with music |
| bicyclist needs to avoid head injury at any cost, as the | | | | blaring is a no-no. Awareness of surroundings and the |
| brain is a very fragile organ and damage to it may be | | | | ability to make alert decisions is a must. Mirrors are |
| long term with life altering effects for the remainder of | | | | also important so the bicyclist is aware of approaching |
| one's life. | | | | cars, etc. and his or her surroundings at all times. There |
| A helmet may not prevent all head injuries, but it most | | | | are also a variety of lights available for bicycles such |
| certainly can provide some protection for the head | | | | as Bike Safety Lights which are visible up to a mile |
| and brain possibly preventing a more serious injury | | | | away. |
| should a fall or accident occur. | | | | There are also Bicycle Head Lights and Bicycle Tail |
| In addition to helmet gear, one should also wear a | | | | Lights which are super bright LED lights for both |
| bright colored shirt or safety vest and some type of | | | | flashing and steady modes to ensure improved visibility. |
| reflective vest or triangle if bicycling at night for better | | | | These products are available at most personal |
| visibility. Many weather conditions can decrease the | | | | security stores such as Best Protection at |
| driver's long-range vision such as fog, rain, etc. and the | | | | With the proper equipment and knowledge of the rules |
| sooner the driver knows he is approaching a bicyclist | | | | of the road, one is free to enjoy the summer sun and |
| the more prepared he is to approach the bicyclist in a | | | | fun and return home safe and sound! |