5 tips for staying safe on your UK bike tour

Cycling is one of the most important and popular pursuits in the world. It’s an excellent way of making sure you get fit and healthy, as well as being a lot of fun. Once you become a more confident and able cyclist, you will probably feel bolder getting out on the road and taking a tour of the UK by bicycle.
​
If you choose to do this, it’s important to understand what it takes to have the best experience you can, and a good way of achieving this is to make sure you stay safe and look after yourself. Here are five of the best ways of staying safe on your UK bike tour.

1. Make sure your bike is perfect
There are a lot of tips you can use to make things safer, but one of the biggest is to ensure that you have the best possible bicycle. You’ll want to put together a checklist of everything you’d like (or need) your new bike to have. There are plenty of buying guides that will help you ensure your new bicycle ticks all of the right boxes.

2. Brush up on the Highway Code
When you’re travelling around on your bike, you need to make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the road. Being as safe as possible is majorly important, and something that you need to focus on as much as you can. That means improving your knowledge of the Highway Code, and even taking quizzes to make sure you know the rules and regulations. This is going to help you stay safer on your travels.

3. Wear protective gear
Protective gear is so important when you’re out on the road. There are so many different bits of gear you can use that will help keep you safe when you’re on your travels. Firstly, investing in the best helmet money can buy could literally save your life. Also, consider what other protective gear you might need on your UK bike tour, especially if you’re going to be battling against the elements.

4. Choose the right route
It’s absolutely essential to make sure you take the right route when you’re on a UK bike tour. There are a lot of routes you could attempt, but you need to be sensible and ensure you’re not biting off more than you can chew. Some routes can be dangerous if you are an inexperienced rider, and so it’s crucial you plan ahead. For instance, the Deeside Way Cycle Path route could be perfect for beginners, especially those looking to have a leisurely sightseeing experience.

5. Rest when you need to
As well as not picking a route that is too ambitious, you need to listen to your body, too. Make sure you rest when you need to. You have to be alert and healthy, and make sure you stop regularly to get your energy levels back up each day. Plan breaks along the route, but also be prepared to take some time out when you’re feeling lethargic.

When it comes to being safer on your bike tour, you need to make sure you think carefully about all of the different elements involved. If there is anything you think we’ve missed, make sure you let us know in the comments below.

This is a guest post