Simple Ways to Enjoy Your Bicycle Ride

Bicyclists are vulnerable, even if Louisiana and local authorities have recently recognized the need to protect them from other vehicles, building exclusive bicycle trails and lanes wherever possible.

Nationwide, 630 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2009, a 12 percent drop from the year before, while the number of injured cyclists was put at 51,000, almost unchanged from 2008.

This high injury rate points to the core of the problem: bicycle riding is still unsafe.

What can bicycle riders do to avoid being injured?

Follow these safety tips and you will be fine:

• Obey the rules of the road: Ride with the traffic, avoid changing lanes, stop at intersections and signal your intentions.
• Be visible: Wear brightly colored clothing. At night, make sure you have bright head and rear lights, and wear reflective tape or clothing
• Anticipate danger: Stop at intersections even if you have the right of way. Look back before you cross the intersection to make sure no one cuts across your path turning right. Keep a safe distance from parked cars to avoid being "doored," and always look over your shoulder before you change lanes or make a left turn.
• Be predictable: Signal your lane changes and left turns well in advance. Do not make sudden stops (bikes stop almost instantaneously, cars don't). Indicate to followers when they may overtake you.
• Protect yourself: Bicyclists need protective gear, starting with a helmet, which you should never fail to wear. Depending on the terrain, you may want to protect your hands, elbows, knees and eyes as well, especially on hilly roads where you can reach high speeds going downhill.

One tip we would like to insist on. Most bikers are not at risk because they are speeding, distracted or under the influence. They are likely to be injured in a crash because of other drivers. A sure way to lower the crash risk factor is to avoid traffic altogether.

It is not always possible, of course, but some routes are far better than others, even if the ride is longer. After all, you ride a bike because it is healthy and fun, not because you are in a hurry. Give preference to:

• Low traffic roads
• Roads with broad shoulders
• Roads with exclusive bicycle lanes and trails

You can now search your itinerary on Google Maps by clicking on the bicycle icon to find the most appropriate route. Enjoy the ride.