As the weather continues to warm up, more and more commuters will begin biking to work. Biking to work is not only a great source of exercise, but it can reduce a commuter's carbon footprint and help him or her save big on gas.
In fact, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the average Canadian spends over $10,000 a year to drive his or her car. However, before making the switch, commuters should do the following to make their bike rides to work safe and fun.
- Practice your route on the weekend or drive it in your car to make sure that it is safe.
- Know the laws that apply to bikers and how to interact with motorists while sharing the road.
- Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns for other bikers and motorists.
- Wear brightly coloured clothing to increase your visibility to those on the road.
- Wear a helmet.
- Make eye contact with motorists so they know you are there and can anticipate your next move.
- Bring along a water bottle in case you get thirsty, especially on hot days.
Biking is a healthy alternative to driving to work. To stay safe, it's crucial that you remain attentive and cautious of cars on the road.
For a complete guide on bike safety tips, visit Bikemunk or visit Ontario Ministry of Transportation's site on bicycle safety.