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 AUGUST 30, 2007 How to Avoid Cycling Injuries More than 1 million cyclists suffer bicycle-related injuries severe enough to be treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, and clinics each year, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Cycling accidents commonly involve colliding with a car or another bicycle, losing control, entangling your hands, feet, or clothing in the cycle, or feet slipping off the pedals. To avoid becoming one of these statistics, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) warns bicyclists to follow some important safety precautions: --Always wear a helmet, approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which can reduce head injuries by up to 95%. Make sure the helmet fits snugly but comfortably and does not obstruct your vision. It should have a chin strap and buckles that stay securely fastened. --Make certain the bicycle is the proper size for you. Appropriately sized frames, handlebar, and seat heights help reduce injuries. --Avoid plastic pedals, which can be slippery when wet. --Wear bright fluorescent colors. If you bike at night, make sure to have rear reflectors and a working headlight that's visible from 500 feet away. --Avoid loose clothing and wear appropriate footwear. Use pant leg clips to keep clothing out of the bicycle chain. --Avoid riding on uneven or slippery surfaces. Brakes may not work as well when wheels are wet and require more distance to stop. Hip pain is a common overuse injury in cycling. If you feel hip pain after cycling, do the Knee-Over-Leg Stretch: While lying flat on your back, bend your right leg and bring it across your body to the left side. Hold the right knee down with the left hand and lean your shoulders and head back to the right. Hold for 20 seconds and then repeat on the other side. |
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