Think safely when riding bikes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Nicholas Brand
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Ground Safety Professional
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  May is the month of the two-wheeled, man-powered machine.

The weather is perfect for the outdoors and enjoying a nice bicycle ride with friends and family is simply a summer must-do.

Unfortunately, there are other perks of the summer heat that can potentially turn your two-wheeled adventure end-over-end. Here are some bicycle safety tips that will keep you on the road and out of the hospital bed.

Accidents are inevitable and the majority of the time are out of our control. One thing we can control is how we protect ourselves in the event of the big booboo mistake that we all make from time to time. Personal protective equipment is one of the most important aspects to think of prior to going for a ride around the neighborhood, roadway or your favorite riding trail. Always ensure to come prepared for an accident by equipping yourself with a helmet, gloves, knee guards, elbow guards and closed-toe shoes. It may look a tad goofy and might affect the cool factor a bit, but scooping your noggin and skin off of the pavement might not be what you necessarily bargained for the day before that hot date. All of the safety gear in the world is great, but if you remain vigilant as a rider you won't have put yourself in a predicament in the first place.

Unfortunately, we weren't born with eyes in the back of our heads and weren't given the gracious gift of eagle-eye vision. Ensuring that you take that extra step in keeping your head on a swivel could truly be the difference between being on the bike or ending up underneath it in a tangled mess. Other cars, trucks, semis, riders and road debris could pose a hazard to you and your chain-driven friend.

As a former BMX-rider, I can't stress enough how important it is to pay attention to what is going on around you and to scan the roadway for potential hazards. Since you are the motor that powers the machine, it is imperative that you give yourself enough time and room on the roadway to evade a possible dangerous situation.

Use these tips while riding your bicycle with family, friends or by yourself this summer. Make sure you utilize the proper PPE, remain vigilant and scan the roadway for hazards while on your bicycling adventures. Nothing puts a damper on a fun summer vacation than being laid up in the hospital with a head injury or severe road rash from an accident that could have been avoided.

Make sure to have fun, be safe and enjoy the ride.