Cycle Safety

Cycling is one of my favourite forms of exercise.  It beats walking for its speed and can get you from A - B easily with no waiting around.  for commuting purposes you will know what time you will arrive and it is a good way of getting fresh air as well.

While I love to get out in the fresh air, it has come with a fair share of bumps and scrapes over the years.  From skinning my knees, to puncturing a lung I have had a few accidents.

Fractures are a risk, but the scariest injury to sustain which can be life changing is of course head injuries.

Cycling is undoubtedly a life skill which we share with our children.  There are ways in which it can be made safer.  In a number of countries it is a legal requirement to wear a cycle helmet.  These will offer some cusioning to the head when it comes into contact with the road or other hard surface.

Try to avoid riding with your child on the handlebars of your bike, this could cause an injury to both of you if you were to come off the bike.  A seat on the back might be a safe option.

Make yourself visible to cars.  Wearing bright clothes, especially if you are cycling in the evening or at dusk, is a good idea.  High visibility vests might be a good purchase.

Invest in some lights.  Have a light on both the front and back of the bike and check it before you set off so you know that you can be seen, especially at night.

Try to avoid the main road where possible.  London has a whole range of cycle routes which are safer for cyclists.

There are many benefits to cycling, for your health and also just enjoyment. If you take some added precautions you can keep safe while enjoying yourself.

To book a first aid course to find out how to manage head injuries and other minor injuries please get in touch.