After a really long cold and snowy winter, cyclists are chomping at the bit to get back out on the road.  Along with the long cold and snowy winter comes lots and lots of potholes, and some of these are ginormous!  Keep in mind these safety tips when venturing back out onto your local roads.

Make sure your bike is in good working condition- sitting in a cold garage all winter your tires may have gotten dry and brittle, your drive train (Chain and cassette) probably need a thorough degreasing and re-lubing. Inspect your frame for any cracks, and check your brake levers and pads to be sure they are working properly.  Your best bet with all this is to get your bike to your local shop and have a good tune-up done.

Remember in the early season, drivers might not be prepared to see you as they come around the corner, as there have not been many, if any, cyclists on “their” roads for quite a while. Also remember there is still a lot of sand on the roads along with those ginormous potholes!

Of course ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET- this goes without saying.  Inspect your helmet as well for cracks or dents- cycling helmets are only good for one crash, after that you should replace it with a new one. Here is a good article that answers when to replace your existing cycling helmet: http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm

Expect wet roads as these stubborn snow banks and ice pockets everywhere continue to melt, and if the temperature is below freezing in the early morning hours beware of the dreaded “black ice”, even though I always thought that ice was clear. : )

If you are riding in a highly congested area (i.e. lots of cars etc.) remember the rules of the road, and use hand signals so drivers will know where and when you want to turn. Wear brightly colored clothing and invest in a set of reflectors or even a front and tail light to increase your visibility.

Here is a link to an article about riding in traffic written by Rich Kinsey who is a retired Ann Arbor police detective sergeant who now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com. http://www.annarbor.com/news/tips-for-bicycle-safety/ 

Here is another link for spring time cycling safety geared more for children riding their bikes: http://www.andersonagencyins.com/agencies/112/media/May%20ITK%20Newsletter_050310.pdf

Also remember to take care of your bicycles engine… your body!  Always warm up and cool down properly, and include some foam rolling and stretching to help prevent injuries. Continue with your regular chiropractic care, your neck and back will thank you for it.  Regular Chiropractic adjustments and regular Active Release Technique work will go a long way in keeping you riding comfortably and efficiently.

If you have any questions about this Blog, or about your health in general, feel free to contact me at:

[email protected]