Burlington is a relatively bike-friendly city and many people choose to commute or ride on the road to get from place-to-place. Additionally, there are several gravel and mountain bike trails in and around Burlington that are a great way to get exercise and spend time outdoors. Safety while biking, whether it be road, gravel, or mountain biking, is extremely important to avoid injury or worse. Follow these tips to stay safe and have fun while biking in the area:
Road Biking
- Check your bike before going out to make sure everything is working properly
- WEAR A HELMET!
- Check the weather and dress accordingly
- Wear form fitting clothing and shoes that have short laces to avoid getting anything caught in the bike chain
- Increase your visibility by wearing bright colors and use reflectors, especially at night
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions with cars or pedestrians
- Let someone know where you are going and what your route is, especially if you will be riding alone
- Bring plenty of water
Mountain Biking
- Check your bike before going out to make sure everything is working properly
- Check the weather and dress accordingly
- WEAR A HELMET!
- Wear form fitting clothing and shoes that have short laces to avoid getting anything caught in the bike chain
- Wear eye protection like biking glasses or goggles
- Consider your skill level and bike on trails that align with your skillset
- Bring plenty of water and food depending on the duration and challenge level of the ride
- If possible, check trail conditions on the trail systems website
- Bring a small first aid kit in case of emergency
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