Proper preparation is essential before you hit the road. There are several important things to keep in mind while cycling.
1. Improper use of brakes
Your bike has two sets of brakes: one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel. To stop safely, you must fully understand how to use them.
The ideal braking habit is to skillfully use both the front and rear brakes. On normal roads, where there’s no risk of the front wheel skidding, rely mainly on the front brake with the rear as support. But when road conditions might cause the front wheel to skid, prioritize the rear brake with the front as backup.
If you’re worried about getting confused switching between front and rear, consider this approach: road bikers or those who mostly ride on paved roads should use the front brake as the primary brake and the rear as support. Meanwhile, mountain bikers or those who love high-speed downhill riding should primarily use the rear brake with the front as support.
2. Incorrect turning technique
When turning, your body and bike lean, so the inner pedal should be kept level or upward to avoid hitting the ground. Always slow down before entering a turn – braking while turning is dangerous.
Next, let’s talk about how to lean your body during a turn. As per the laws of circular motion, cyclists must lean inward when turning. The faster you go, the more you need to lean. Centrifugal and centripetal forces must balance, or you’ll fall – that’s an unavoidable physical reality.
3. Wrong uphill and downhill techniques
Some cyclists stand up on the pedals when going uphill. Unless it’s a particularly steep slope or you’re sprinting for speed, this posture should be avoided. Not only is it more exhausting, but it raises your center of gravity, reducing control and increasing the risk of the rear wheel slipping.
The most important thing when climbing is not to pedal too hard. Most riders tend to use gear ratios that are too heavy and cadence that’s too low, forcing their legs to work too hard. Some believe that pedaling harder means better climbing – younger riders with strong legs may manage even when pedaling intensely, but this can actually harm knee cartilage!
Cycling is for health – isn’t it counterproductive to damage your knees in the process?
When going downhill, shift your body weight backward, lower your torso, and clamp your thighs against the saddle. Focus on controlling your speed using gradual braking – never brake suddenly.
When cycling in a group, always maintain a safe distance between bikes. On long rides, drafting behind the rider in front helps conserve energy. On straight, open roads, it’s easy to lose focus – riders should stay at least one bike length apart for safety.
5. Riding over raised road surfaces
6. Cycling with headphones
Wearing headphones makes it hard to hear external sounds like car horns or your teammates’ warnings. Long headphone cords can also cause accidents. If you want to listen to music or broadcasts, use a speaker instead. Wearing headphones while cycling is strictly prohibited.
If you are feeling unwell or mentally fatigued, and unable to concentrate, you should plan an alternative route or postpone your journey to avoid danger.
8. Do not force travel with vehicle malfunction
If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be repaired on the spot, use an alternative means of travel or request roadside assistance. Especially if there are abnormalities in components such as brakes or wheels (tires), do not force yourself to ride.
If encountering severe weather conditions such as typhoons, heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds, change your itinerary or cancel the trip. If you encounter severe weather while riding, wait at the current location until the weather calms down before continuing. Also avoid riding at noon or in temperatures exceeding 35°C, and remember to hydrate appropriately.
10. Plan your itinerary well
Since bike lights provide limited illumination and only serve as auxiliary warning for other road users, it is recommended to start your journey early, schedule more rest time around noon, and arrive at your daily destination before sunset. In particular, group rides should avoid nighttime cycling to prevent accidents caused by poor visibility or unfamiliar roads.