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2. GO TRAFFIC-FREE If your city didn't happen to be among them, you can still lower your risk by steering clear of rush hours and being alert at intersections, which accounted for 27
percent of cycling crashes. You may also want to stick to daytime rides, given that 50 percent of crash fatalities occurred in the dusk or dark. "It's always safest to ride where
you don't drive,” says Arleigh Greenwald, an avid cyclist and former bike shop owner. She recommends paths specifically designed for bikes, and which aren't accessible to cars,
whenever possible. If you must travel in heavily trafficked areas, try to stick to roads with wider shoulders or those that have lots of stop signs. 3. TAKE A REFRESHER COURSE Make sure
you're following the rules of the road yourself, whether you pedal a traditional bike, an e-bike or even a recumbent style. “Bicycles are treated as vehicles,” Dewey says. “That means
you have to ride in the same direction as traffic, signal your turns and lane changes, and obey all the other laws.” For a refresher, know that the League of American Bicyclists partners
with more than 3,000 certified cycling instructors nationwide to teach its Smart Cycling curriculum, a great way to learn how to ride safely. Instructors cover topics such as how to shift
gears, being aware of your surroundings and others on the road, riding in rainy or slippery conditions, and “avoidance maneuvers,” for when you need to change direction quickly (say, to
avoid roadkill). “One of the best things a person on a bike can do is take a class,” Dewey says. “It makes you a more confident rider." 4. INVEST IN SAFETY GEAR Outfitting yourself
properly is important as well. Cyclists should aim to be as visible to motorists as possible; brightly colored clothing, reflectors and bike lights, even in the daylight, can help. A helmet
is a must, preferably one that has been crash-tested. “Technology is changing pretty rapidly, and now you'll see lots of helmets with these little yellow stickers that say ‘Mips,'”
says Barry Miller, who works in impact testing in the Virginia Tech Biomechanics Helmet Lab. He explains that the letters stand for “multidirectional impact protection system,” which allows
the helmet to rotate while the head inside stays stationary, lessening the rotational impact to the head. Making sure your helmet fits properly is also important. According to Virginia
Tech's helmet ratings guide, “cyclists should position the helmet's rim the width of one to two fingers above their browline, and tighten it to minimize movement of the
helmet." 5. DON'T GO IT ALONE And one of the best things you can do, for your safety and enjoyment, is to ride with a friend. “For new riders especially, there is safety in
numbers,” says Sara Studdard, director of local innovation for PeopleForBikes.