Bicycle Safety: Enjoy the Ride

As with other sports, bicycling carries the risk of injury. Fortunately, many bicycling-related injuries can be prevented with caution and proper safety equipment.

Common injuries include:

Knee pain - A frequent complaint of cyclists, pain beneath the kneecap often results from riding long distances too fast. Adjustments in speed and distance can prevent extra stress on the knee. Improper seat positioning can also cause knee pain. When the seat is positioned too low, the knee works harder while pedaling. Adjust the seat height so you can fully extend your knee when seated. This allows your knee proper range of motion.

Nerve compression in the hand - Numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers can occur from prolonged riding. This condition is common in mountain bike riders because of the position of the handlebars. Padded bicycle gloves, padded handlebars and shorter rides can reduce nerve compression.

Achilles tendinitis- Inflammation of the large tendon behind the heel is common in cyclists who climb hills in a standing, rather than sitting, position. Stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications and changing your riding style can help alleviate symptoms.

Skin injuries - Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from a fall. Wash abrasions immediately and cover with a clean, dry bandage. You also may want to apply an antibiotic ointment to the damaged skin. See your doctor if the wound oozes excessively or becomes very red.

"Saddle sores," or chaffing of the buttocks and thighs, can lead to skin infection if ignored. You can help prevent saddle sores by wearing padded bicycle pants and equipping your bike with a gel seat. Treatment involves rest, air-drying and sometimes application of warm heat.

Head injuries - The most important piece of bicycle safety equipment is the helmet. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury by up to 85 percent. A helmet should fit snugly and sit flat on the head. The American Medical Association recommends that helmets meet the safety standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute.

In addition to understanding and preventing specific injuries, common sense will also ensure safe cycling.

Wear bright colors and reflective clothing if riding at night.
Pay attention to the road surface. Potholes, drainage gates and even leaves can cause a fall.

Ride on the right side of the road and in the direction of traffic. Ride in a single file line when cycling in a group.
Obey the rules of the road, and signal when turning or stopping.
Following these rules and taking steps to prevent injury will give you and your family many seasons of bicycling enjoyment.