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Some biking injuries, like blisters,
everyone will experience at some point but there are precautions you
can take to avoid any major biking injuries or trauma. Some of them may
seem quite simple but it’s remarkable how many people don’t take even
simple steps to protect themselves from getting hurt.
Wear a helmet. Seems
pretty basic doesn’t it? But thousands of cyclists don’t wear helmets,
or don’t wear quality helmets. You don’t want to end up with a
concussion or worse if you fly over the handlebars of your bike so
always wear a helmet when you are cycling. Always. It can save your
life. Wear the right shoes and socks. Having the proper
footwear is important in any sport, but it’s especially important when
cycling. Having a foot injury or sever foot pain can be debilitating
and could lead to lifelong foot problems that might impact your
mobility so always wear supportive athletic sneakers or cycling shoes
when riding long distances and wear good socks that won’t make your
feet overheat and will draw the sweat off your feet to keep them cool. Be Aware of Your Surroundings. If
you are riding on the road watch out for traffic. Drivers can’t always
see you so wear reflective clothing and put lights on your bike to
increase the chance that you will be seen. Obey all the road rules and
be aware of the traffic around you. When you are riding on trails make
sure you ride on marked trails and don’t go off on your own. When you
are riding on a bike path watch out for other bikers and signal if you
are going around them so they know what you are going to do. A little
consideration can add up to a lot of safety when you are out on the
road or on the bike path. Stay Hydrated. Becoming dehydrated
is always a risk for athletes and can lead to dizziness, confusion, and
fatigue that could endanger yourself or other riders. Dehydration in
warm temperatures can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Make
sure that you always have a water bottle full of water or a sports
drink with you and drink it often. If you are biking with your kids or
with friends make frequent stops and make everyone drink from their
bottles to make sure that everyone in the group stays hydrated. Always
make sure to pack plenty of water or sports drinks.
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