Staying Safe on Two Wheels: Techniques and Tips for Women's Bike Safety

Biking is an excellent way to exercise, commute, or just explore the great outdoors. It’s a fun and eco-friendly mode of transportation that has numerous health benefits. However, biking, poses risks, particularly for women. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that female bicyclists are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than their male counterparts. It is crucial for women to prioritize their safety while biking and take necessary precautions. Women's safety while biking in the USA and Iowa should be a concern, as highlighted by the NHTSA report, which emphasizes the vulnerability of women riders on the road. Several factors contribute to the higher risk of women being injured or killed while biking, including riding in areas with more vehicle traffic, using bicycles for transportation purposes, risk aversion, gendered cultural norms, discrimination, and harassment. The NHTSA, a US government agency responsible for setting safety standards and regulations for roadways and vehicles, conducts research, collects data, and develops educational programs to promote safe driving and cycling practices, including bicycle safety.

Here are a few quick and easy tips and reminders to keep everyone safe on the trails and roadways.  

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself while biking. Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 85%, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Make sure your helmet fits properly and is adjusted to fit snugly on your head. It should sit level on your head and cover your forehead. When buying a helmet, look for one that meets safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Choose the Right Bike

Choosing the right bike can also make a big difference in your safety while biking. Make sure your bike is the right size for you and is in good working condition. The seat should be adjusted to the proper height, and the tires should be properly inflated. Check the brakes, gears, and chain to make sure they’re working correctly. If you’re not sure how to do this, take your bike to a professional bike shop for a tune-up.

Plan Your Route

Before you start biking, plan your route. Choose roads with bike lanes or wide shoulders, and avoid busy streets and highways. If possible, choose a route that’s well-lit and has plenty of other bikers or pedestrians around. You can use online maps or apps to plan your route and avoid areas that are known for accidents or crime.

Be Visible

One of the biggest dangers for bikers is not being seen by drivers. To make sure you’re visible, wear bright or reflective clothing. You can also attach reflective tape to your bike or wear a reflective vest. Use a headlight and taillight on your bike, even during the day. Make sure your lights are bright and working properly.

Follow Traffic Laws

As a biker, you’re required to follow the same traffic laws as drivers. This means stopping at stop signs and red lights, signaling when turning or changing lanes, and riding with the flow of traffic. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic, and don’t ride on sidewalks, unless it’s legal in your area.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When biking, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for cars, pedestrians, and other bikers. Look for potential hazards like potholes, debris, and wet or slippery surfaces. Avoid wearing headphones or using your phone while biking, as this can distract you from your surroundings.

Ride Defensively

Defensive biking means anticipating potential hazards and taking steps to avoid them. For example, if you see a car approaching from behind, move to the side of the road and let it pass. If you’re riding in a group, stay in a single-file line to avoid taking up too much space on the road. Avoid sudden movements or swerving, as this can startle drivers and increase the risk of an accident.

Communicate with Other Bikers and Drivers

Communication is key when biking with others. Use hand signals to communicate with other bikers and drivers. Signal when you’re turning, stopping, or changing lanes. If you’re biking in a group, use verbal communication to warn others of potential hazards, such as cars or obstacles in the road.

Carry a Phone and ID

Carrying a phone and identification with you while biking is important. In case of an emergency, you can call for help or provide identification if needed. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you start biking, and carry a charger or power bank with you if you’re going on a long ride. If you’re biking alone, consider letting someone know your route and the estimated time of arrival.

Join a Biking Group

Biking in a group can be a great way to stay safe and meet other bikers. Joining a biking group can provide a sense of community and support while biking. Groups often have experienced riders who can provide tips and advice on safe biking practices. They may also have organized rides with pre-planned routes that are safe and enjoyable for all levels of bikers.

Take a Biking Safety Course

If you’re new to biking or want to improve your biking skills, consider taking a biking safety course. Many organizations, such as the League of American Bicyclists, offer courses on safe biking practices. These courses can teach you how to ride safely in different situations, how to perform basic bike maintenance, and how to navigate traffic.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. Being prepared for emergencies can help reduce the impact of an accident. Consider carrying a small first-aid kit with you while biking. This kit should include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. You should also carry a spare tire and tools to fix a flat tire. If you’re going on a long ride, consider carrying snacks and water to stay hydrated and energized.

Biking is a fun and healthy activity that can provide numerous benefits. However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety while biking. Wearing a helmet, choosing the right bike, planning your route, being visible, following traffic laws, being aware of your surroundings, riding defensively, communicating with others, carrying a phone and identification, joining a biking group, taking a biking safety course, and being prepared for emergencies are all important techniques for staying safe while biking alone or with others.

By following these techniques, women can enjoy the many benefits of biking while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Remember, biking is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. So, get out there, explore your community, and have fun while staying safe!