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• Monday, August 24, 2020
• Posted By Admin

In case you missed it, last May was Bicycle Safety Month. During this month - which is promoted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - cyclists and motorists alike are encouraged to share the roadways by obeying the traffic laws and by respecting each other's rights. Since, we feel cyclists should focus on safety 24/7, here are some of our top safety tips for 2020.

Wear a helmet: The controversy over wearing a helmet should have died a long time ago. Helmets save lives. And while a helmet can't be 100% guaranteed to save you from injury, it's always going to give you better odds than if you went bare headed.

Remain visible to other cyclists: Wear bright colors and reflective clothing, especially in the early morning, late at night, or on cloudy days. Check for loose nuts and bolts: There are a few things you should check for on a weekly basis. First, check all the nuts and bolts of your handlebar, stem, seat post, pedals and wheels' quick release. Second, check to be sure that your front brake is working properly. Finally, tighten anything that comes loose and make sure there are no rattling noises.

Watch for hazards such as glass, rocks, squirrels, potholes, etc: Look ahead to where you will be traveling and not where you have been. The farther you look ahead the more options you will have if you encounter an obstacle in the road.

Use lights and a bell: These will give motorists and cyclists ample warning that you are in the area and may be about to pass them on the road. Know your hand signals: Cycling hand signals are universal and should be understood by all drivers. The clearer people around you are about your intentions the safer both you and they will be.

By learning good cycling skills, keeping your equipment maintained, understanding how accidents commonly happen and wearing high visibility clothing, you can reduce the chances that you will be involved in a bicycle accident during one of our Quebec bike tours. And while nothing is foolproof, you can put the odds in your favor and ensure that your rides will be safe and productive. Join us on our bike tour vacations this year.