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Safety advice
Safety Advice for safe cycling
Helping you have a safe and enjoyable cycling experience
is our first priority at CarpatBike. Here, we will share
some ideas to help you get the most from your cycling –
safely cycling while having fun.
For optimal physical preparation, we recommend that you ride
several hours per week during the month preceding the tour.
During the tour you will be on your bike everyday, and we
can assure you that an unprepared bottom is a sore one! If
you can't ride your bike, or don't own one, take a class at
your local gym a few times a week. Your level of fitness does
affect how much you enjoy your tour. Check your specific itinerary
for an idea of your average daily kilometers and level of
strenuousness - then train appropriately.
Safety Resources
There are many great resources to help those less familiar
with cycling or those looking to brush up their cycling skills.
We strongly encourage you to check some of the resources before
your trip.
Some great advice can be found on the following links covering
topics from basic safety, helpful hints, bicylce rlues and
safety, urban cycling,
http://www.bikeleague.org
http://bikesense.bc.ca/manual.htm
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/traffic/index.htm
http://www.whycycle.co.uk/safety-helmets.htm
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/984.aspx
Our advice
1. Ride predictably in smooth lines and avoid weaving or
wobbling. Romanian drivers are not so used to cyclists on
the road as in other foreign countries.
2. Stay alert, be aware and anticipate: anticipate what other
vehicles will do, anticipate what gear you will need to be
in after you stop and anticipate the approaching road surface.
3. Be as visible as you can be. Riding in florescent cycling
jersey or wearing other fluorescent objects is a clear indication.
4. Chose a safe riding position on the road. Avoid riding
so close to the edge of the road that you are riding, on dangerously
broken pavement or where you are at risk of being hit by an
opening car door.
5. Obey the law. Drivers will give cyclist more respect, and
you are far safer, if you obey all the traffic laws –
including stopping at stop signs, riding on the right hand
side of the road and not riding under the influence of alcohol.
6 Check out your bike and make sure you are confident that
it is roadworthy. Check brakes, tires and quick release mechanisms.
7. Keep Your Bike in Good Condition Other than clothing, your
bike must be constantly checked to ensure that it is in good
condition. All parts must be well oiled and replaced in all
weather conditions. A faulty part can make the difference
between life and death, especially at high speeds. Brakes,
steering and suspension must be in perfect working condition.
Dirt biking involves steep drops that can make you crumble
on impact.
The bike must be thoroughly tested and checked every time
you go out on a trip. A test ride is absolutely mandatory
to ensure comfort while riding at high speeds and sudden braking.
Experienced bikers instinctively know exactly what to do in
special situations.
8. Always wear a cycle helmet, fastened securely while cycling.
9. Carry identification, details of their medical/travel insurance
and emergency contact details.
11. All riders must have signed the accident waiver indicating
they are fit to ride and understand the risks.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable ride.
Efficient Cycling for happy cycling
1. Eat before you are hungry. Moderate cycling burns around
300 calories per hour so eating plenty of snacks such as power
bars.
2. Drink regularly before you are thirsty. It can get very
hot out there on the bike. As you sweat, you will loose both
water and essential salts. Therefore take regular sips en
route. The best way is to drink some water or sport drink
every 30 minutes.
3. Ride at a pace that feels comfortable. Even when climbing
hills it is good practice to be able to keep a conversation
going without being out of breath. If you are a slow rider
riding with fitter friends, you should have them ride at your
pace rather than you struggling to keep up with them.
4. During summer, sun can get quite intense, especially in
the middle of the day so use a high factor sunscreen.
5. Relax and change your position regularly. Changing your
hand position helps avoid shoulder cricks or back aches. Drop
handlebars are better for being able to do this. Getting out
of the saddle regularly will help avoid saddle sores. Having
done some training rides will also be useful in respect of
both of these.
6. Keep smiling, this is your vacation!
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