Getting Your Bike Ready for Spring & Summer Riding
While South Carolina’s temperate climate is perfect for bicycle riding year round, the spring and summer seasons see a dramatic increase in the number of cyclists taking to the roads. Whether you ride your bike as transportation to get to places such as work and school or simply to enjoy the recreational and health benefits, it is important to take the appropriate safety precautions to prevent potentially serious bicycle accidents and injuries. In order to get you ready for the spring and summer riding season, we have assembled the following tips on how to prepare your bike for the road, as well as safety tips to help your ride be both safe and enjoyable.
Giving Your Bicycle A Warm Weather Tune Up
Whether you have been busy riding through the winter months or have kept your bike in storage in anticipation of warmer weather, there are things you can do to to make sure it is in top shape for a busy spring and summer riding season. According to the outdoor recreation website Active.com, taking the appropriate steps to maintain your bike will not only make it last longer and operate better, but can also help to prevent bicycle accidents and injuries. Follow these steps so your bike is ready for whatever adventures you are planning through the spring and summer season:
- Clean and wax your frame.
- Clean and grease the brackets, headset, and wheel hubs.
- Install new tubes, tires and tape the rims.
- Clean, lubricate, and adjust the chain and brakes.
- Clean or replace your shift cables.
- Make sure you have a spare tube and repair kit for long trips.
If you are mechanically inclined, you can do many of these repairs yourself, or you can opt to have your local bike shop do them for you.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Follow the Rules for Bicycling Safety
Whether you are a beginner cyclist or have been riding for years, it is important to be aware of the rules regarding bicycling safety. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS)instituted the Safe Streets Save Lives campaign in 2011 to help to prevent and reduce the number of cycling injuries and deaths within the state. Cyclists can help to avoid accidents and protect their safety when riding by following these cycling rules and regulations:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Drive in the far right lane, as close to the side of the road as possible.
- Use bicycle lanes when available.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns.
- Make sure your bike is equipped with headlights, taillights, and reflectors when riding at night.
- Wear light, bright colored clothing to increase visibility.
- Do not ride more with more than two bikes side by side.
The same as with driving, avoid risky and dangerous behaviors and do not ride your bicycle if you have been drinking or are under the influence of any medications.
Reach Out to Us for Help
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a cycling accident, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm. Our experienced South Carolina accident attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to assist you in getting compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
