Perhaps one of the reasons why heavier people refuse or hesitate to ride a bike is that they are scared they might fall from it. So, to help you reduce or fully overcome that fear, take note of the tips below on how to avoid falling from a bicycle.
1. Keep correct body position.
You should stay centered on your seat to evenly distribute your weight and make sure you sit on an upright position to balance your body. If you know how to balance, your chances of falling from your bike would be slimmer. Also, see to it that your back is straight and your head is up for you to have better visibility and comfort.
2. Know what to do when you start to wobble.
Most often than not, you wobble first before falling. One of the causes of wobbling is pedaling too slowly. Referring to what Albert Einstein said, in order to avoid falling, you have to “keep on pedaling.” So the second you begin to wobble, keep on working on your pedals while increasing your speed a bit. Take note that the standard speed in riding a bike in order to avoid falling is 25 kph. If you ride slower than 25 kph, your bike would most likely be unstable and you may eventually fall if you don’t control your bicycle immediately. You may be wondering how some cyclists manage to stay on their bikes even if they are pedaling at a slow pace or at a total stop. It takes time and practice to master those skills. As a beginner, go with the 25kph minimum speed.
3. Inspect your bike before each ride.
Squeeze the tires to check if they are properly inflated. Too much pressure can be one of the causes of falling. Check your brakes. For bikes with brake pads, make sure the brakes evenly press on the rims. Test your brake’s ability to put your bike to a full stop. Grasp your saddle and see to it that it is fitted properly, and stable with no side-to-side motions.
4. Ride a bike that is appropriate for the size and weight of your body.
Perhaps the number one reason why heavier riders fall is because of the bicycle itself. It may not be specially built to handle much pressure considering the fact that most bikes available in the market today are only intended for riders below 200 pounds. So, consider getting a custom built bike tailored to your needs. You can choose to have thicker and more robust rims, frame, and tires; wider and well-padded saddle; and stronger pedals and cranks. All of these characteristics will provide you with an easier, safer, more comfortable, and therefore more fun ride. Consider investing on a strong bicycle to avoid falling from a bicycle.
