5 Tips to Stay Safe and Have Fun Out There Alone
How many times have you wanted to get out for a ride, a hike or a run and couldn’t find anyone to go with you? Or you just wanted to get out there by yourself and clear your head?
How many times have you wanted to get out for a ride, a hike or a run and couldn’t find anyone to go with you? Or you just wanted to get out there by yourself and clear your head?
It can be very liberating to strike out on your own and there are lots of reasons it’s fun. You don’t have to fit your workout time into someone else’s schedule, or you want to try to go a little faster or a little further without having to worry about someone else’s pace.
While it’s tempting to just get out there and do it, it's smart to keep safety top of mind as well. Here are some tips to keep you safe on the road and the trail.
1. Act like a vehicle on streets, especially busy ones. Unless there is an actual bike lane, you are riding in line with the cars on the road, which means you are all sharing the lane. Whether there’s a bike lane or not, it’s a VERY good idea to adhere to all road rules, including stop signs, unless you want to risk a traffic ticket (yes, it happens!) or getting hit (yes, it happens!)
Use right-of-way rules and follow all signs and streetlights. And always use hand signals when turning.
2. Be well prepared with spare parts and tools, know how to use them and know your bike. Knowing how to perform simple repairs to your bike means that you won’t get stuck somewhere if something breaks down, and you’ll be more confident.
Let me come right out and confess that I have historically been of the “ride with someone who knows what they’re doing” school, and have been very slack about learning my own bike repair. I’m now sufficiently ashamed of this fact that I’m going to get on it. 2020 is my year! Watch for update posts about this over the coming weeks.
3. Wear the right gear. Wear highly visible clothing, with bright colors and reflective trim. There is a lot of great women’s performance apparel out there (like Tonik!) that will make you look amazing out on the road. If you’re cycling, wear a good, sturdy helmet that fits snugly on your head, but not too tight. Many new helmets have flashing lights on the back too.
4. LET SOMEONE KNOW when you are going out there alone. Whether that is a significant other, a friend or a family member…tell someone! And if you can, keep to well-populated sections of road and trails. It’s unfortunate but true that when you are alone out on a remote trail, you are vulnerable. Use caution when choosing these trails, and if you do, carry a cell phone and ID with you. Maybe even consider a small can of mace, pepper spray or bear spray.
5. Have an idea of your route before you go and TAKE ENOUGH WATER. If you’re an adventurous type, we get it, you just want to get out and go where you feel like going. But if you are out alone, getting lost can not only be a huge bummer, but can cause you to panic and not think straight about how to find your way back.
There are lots of great reasons to get out there on your own, just remember to stay safe out there!
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