Let's face it: the news media feeds on fear.

Bike trails are safe; however, we're bound to see more stories of trail incidents pop up in the future. Why? More bike trails and trail users makes any criminal activity on a bike trail more news worthy, particularly if the activity is rare.

Naturally, some of the stories will be true but others will be false (like the Modesto, CA woman that cried rape).

Unfortunately, people often dwell on the negative, causing media feeding frenzies on unusual stories like violence on a bike trail. Ultimately, such media coverage triggers irrational, knee jerk reactions (such as Clarence, NY's purchase of 12 security cameras as a result of a jogger's murder or parents objecting to a bike trail near their school).

My Bike Trail Safety Tips
Given the low incidence of crime on bike trails, perhaps a safety discussion should dwell more on the appropriate gear and attitude for bicycling on remote trails. For example...

- WEAR A HELMET!
In 3 decades of riding bike trails, the only negative incident I ever had was when a guy in a group of cyclists rode into me on a trail. Rather than looking ahead, he was talking to his friends and plowed into me head on. I went over the handlebars and landed on my head. Gladly, I had a helmet on. Other than neck strain, I was okay. Without the helmet, I could have died. (BTW, I would have rode off the trail if the trail was not bordered by large boulders.)

- Wear Gloves
If you fall, gloves will decrease the potential of cutting your hands. They also cushion road shock from riding, decreasing incidence of carpal tunnel.

- Wear Sunglasses or Safety Glasses
Naturally, when riding in bright sunlight, sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays; however, glasses also lessen the chance of a bug or road debris getting in your eyes (I know people that crashed while riding because of this). When riding in low light conditions, amber safety glasses sharpen vision too.

- Use a Bike Bell or Horn
Ride a bike trail and you will encounter joggers, walkers, rollerbladders, etc. Most of these folks get startled when bicyclists approach from behind some can even turn into your path without warning - because they don't know you're coming. Don't rely on saying "On your right"; get a bell or horn & USE IT.

- Carry a First Aid Kit
I ride with a first aid kit - for myself & my bike. The kit includes a few bandaids, antiseptic cream, a bike pump, spare tire tube, wrench kit, tire irons, patch kit and my cell phone.

- Pack Water, Snacks & Windbreaker
A cyclist is far more likely to suffer injury from heat stroke, dehydration, or hypothermia than from a criminal act. Take snacks & the jacket in the event you become injured in a remote area.

- STAY ALERT!
While the weather may be gorgeous and there may be beautiful scenery all around, a cyclist must stay alert even on a bike trail. Watch out for potholes, debris, animals and other trail users because any of them can cause an accident or injury. And if you see someone ahead that makes the hair go up on the back of your scalp, guess what? Follow your gut & avoid them. Better safe than sorry.

I'd love to hear other tips from readers like you so feel free to comment.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.