Although riding a bike can be a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment. It is important to invest in high-quality safety gear that provides protection against accidents and injuries. Below is a list of some of the best bike safety gear for Milwaukee cycling trails:
1. A helmet.
If you are only going to invest in one piece of safety equipment, it should be a good helmet. Biking-related head injuries are extremely common and can be quite severe, often resulting in permanent brain damage. In some cases, they may even lead to death.
The best way to protect yourself from these problems is by purchasing a high-quality helmet that not only fits properly but that is also rated for the type of riding that you do.
The helmet should be worn in a level position directly on the center of your head. It should fit snugly without being too tight. It shouldn’t slide around when you move your head. Instead, it should stay firmly in place.
There are many different types of helmets on the market. Some are designed for casual cycling whereas others are designed for more extreme riding. When buying a helmet, think about the types of activities that you plan on doing. If you are just going to be doing casual biking on some of Milwaukee’s easier trails, you can probably get by with a standard bike helmet.
On the other hand, if you are going to be riding on extreme trails on a mountain bike or BMX bike, a sturdier helmet is definitely in order. You may even want to look for one that has a built-in face guard.
2. A bike horn or bell.
Being able to create a loud noise with your bike horn or bell can help prevent accidents. For instance, if you are riding down the trail approaching a pedestrian from behind, you can ding your bell or use your horn to alert them to your presence before you pass them.
3. Kneepads or elbow pads.
If you are going to be doing serious riding, you may want to protect your knees and elbows with extra padding. This is especially important for mountain biking trails.
These trails often have loose rocks or dirt on them that can make it harder to stay upright. They also sometimes incorporate jumps or other obstacles that are designed to make riding more challenging. A little bit of extra padding on your knees and elbows can go a long way toward preventing scrapes and injuries.
4. A headlight.
If you plan on riding your bike in low-light situations, you should invest in a good headlight and a lighted taillight. That way, pedestrians, other bikers, and drivers can more easily see you coming, helping to prevent accidents.
A light will also help you see the ground in front of you more clearly so that you can avoid any obstacles that may lie in your path. This can help keep you from wrecking, ensuring that you stay safe on the trail.
5. Biking gloves.
Biking gloves are designed to improve your grip on your handlebars while at the same time protecting your hands from rubbing on the bars. If you happen to get in a wreck, they can also keep you from scraping up your palms.
This list covers some of the best bike safety gear for Milwaukee cycling trails. If you are planning on hitting the local trails, make sure that you protect yourself by purchasing all of these items. More importantly, make sure that you actually use the items every time you ride.