Cycling Safety Clothes and Gear

January 25, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

When we think of cycling safety gear most people think helmet. There is a whole lot more to consider though if you want to be safe. Crash-resistant cycling apparel is now becoming widely available helping to keep you safe if you are in a bike accident or if you’re hit by a car.

The Most Important Safety Equipment

Helmet – make sure to buy a cycling helmet that fits correctly and is snug enough under your chin. Go to a cycling store to get the fit right at least the first time. It’s worth the time and effort. If you crash or drop your helmet and it cracks you should replace it.

Lights on Your Bike – New LED tail light flashers and head lights are very bright and visible. They also run for a long time on a charge or battery making them easy to have ready to use.

Reflective Stickers – If you are cycling at night having reflective stickers on your bike frame or on your wheels will make you highly visible to motorized traffic.

Sun Protection – if you are cycling enthusiast you should definitely consider clothes that offer UPF factor of 20-40. UPF is the measure of sun protection for textiles much like SPF is the measure for sunscreens. Even if the fabric isn’t sold as having a UPF factor then it may protect you. Generally, the heavier the knit or weave of the fabric the more protective it is. Polyester is far superior to cotton. The more the fabric stretches the less protection it will offer. Consider purchasing cycling shirts that protect your skin from the sun and that are long sleeved.

Road Rash – If you are a cyclist then you’ve likely fallen off your bike at least once. Road rash is an ugly thing and there are ways to protect yourself. Wearing long sleeved jerseys and hard-shell shoes can provide protection to the arms and feet. Ideally long pants would give you an extra layer between you and the road, but they aren’t practical for road cycling in the summer. Mountain bikes often wear longer shorts, and leg protection shields to save skin from branches and plants. Gloves can protect hands from the elements and in falls.

Common Cycling Injuries – Common cycling injuries include broken arms and legs, concussion and head injuries, dislocated shoulders and impalement. Cycling is a sport in which the body is very vulnerable to the forces of the crash. Accidents between cars and cycles can be fatal, and are often extremely serious.

Cyclist Visibility – Safety vests are a great tool for making cyclists easy to spot on the road. You should consider one in neon safety colour, with reflective stickers or patches, and you can even find them with integrated LED lights for nighttime safety. A bell is also a useful safety tool.

General Cycling Safety Tips

• Wear safety gear like a cycling helmet and safety vest
• Have lights and a bell
• Make sure your brakes work
• Follow all rules of the road
• Don’t ride impaired
• Never assume a driver sees you – always ride defensively
• If you are not a confident rider stay on trails and bike paths
• If you ride in the city always be aware for car doors opening into your path

If you’ve been in an accident on your bike you may be entitled to accident benefits. If you’ve been hit by a car you should always phone the police. At Deutschmann Law we are experienced in cycling claims and we can help you get the benefits you need to recover from your injuries. Call us.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.