Whether you commute by bike every day or cycle on city streets only occasionally, keeping up with innovations in safety gear will reduce your risk of bicycle accidents. No matter what conditions you're riding in, the following items will help protect your wellbeing.

How to Stay Safe When Riding a Bike

1. Lights

To stay safe, drivers and pedestrians need to see and hear you. Running lights for nighttime travel are a must, but permanent running lights you switch on during the day or when low-light conditions are present will always keep you visible.

2. Helmet

A properly fitted helmet will reduce your chances of sustaining a concussion in a fall or crash. To make an informed choice about brands that reduce impact, research rating sites. For example, Virginia Tech has conducted biomedical engineering tests for bicycle helmets, which can help you select the best option.

3. Gloves

The padding in gloves protects your knuckles and palms if you fall off your bike, and those designed for cold-weather riding will also keep your hands warm in the winter. Shop for gloves that are machine-washable and dry quickly in case you get stuck in the rain, and get two pairs to ensure you always have some.

4. Tape

If your tires or the spokes of your wheels don't have built-in reflective properties, purchase weatherproof tape and stickers to increase visibility. Layering them on your helmet, shoes, and seat stays will help drivers see you at night, potentially saving you from a bicycle accident.

5. Mouthguard

Without a mouthguard, a fall off your bike may knock out a tooth. To protect your oral health without interfering with your breathing, talk your dentist about custom-fitted mouthguards for the best possible comfort.

Bellotti Law Group, P.C. has help clients in Boston and the surrounding communities, including Cambridge and Quincy, settle personal injury claims resulting from car, bus, and bicycle accidents for nearly 30 years. If you were injured despite taking these safety precautions, you may be entitled to compensation. Visit them online for information on how they help injured cyclists, or call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a consultation with an attorney.