Biking for Fun & Exercise

By Dr. Eric Charles Snyder, DNP, ACNP-BC

Biking is Fun & Great Exercise Too

With this warm summer weather, we are all enjoying more hours of daylight and more opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. Often we ask our families what we can do together that is not only fun, but also a great form of exercise that is not boring. Here is an idea, why not get off the couch and onto a bicycle?

Before starting on your cycling adventure, inspect your bike to make sure it is working properly. Tires should be properly inflated, and check to see if your brakes are in good working order. Always wear a helmet that fits -- an easy way to be sure is if you can put two fingers between the strap and your chin, the helmet is too big. Make sure others will be able to see you by wearing neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors whether you are riding during the day or at night (use reflectors and lights on your bike when riding at night).

The best place to ride your bike is on a designated bike path. If there are no bike paths in your area, remember to ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. When riding on the street, obey all traffic laws, yield to traffic when appropriate, be predictable, and most importantly, stay alert.

By following these safety guidelines, you are ready to have fun while biking with friends and family this summer and into early fall.

For more on bicycle safety and tips, go to www.nhtsa.gov