CYCLING & MOUNTAIN BIKING - Safety



When venturing out onto your cycle or mountain bike there are some points that you should consider for your own safety and the safety of others and members in your party.

Listed below are a few points for you take into consideration.

EQUIPMENT: [Always take the basic minimum kit with you].
In the summer you should have a helmet that should be worn at all times, cycle repair kit and correct parts for your bike, warm and windproof clothing, full set of waterproofs, map [1:50,000 scale as a minimum, 1:25,000 in more complex areas], compass, whistle for emergencies, survival bag, first aid kit, food/drink that includes energy food with plenty of fluids [always advisable to take extra food/drink in case of emergency's] and a rucksack for these items to be placed into or a cycle carrier.

In the winter [including late autumn and early spring] you will need the above items and cycle lights with spare batteries, bulb, extra warm clothing and also gloves or mittens.

INFORM SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING:
If you are going out on your own or with a group it is good practice to leave a rough outline of your proposed route and the expected time you will return. Always inform the person when arrived back to avoid the Mountain Rescue being called out.

LEARN TO USE A MAP AND COMPASS EFFECTIVELY:
Have the correct maps and learn to use a compass if you are mountain biking on the higher tops.

GET A LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST: WEATHER FORCAST FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Lake District can make it's own weather and the conditions can change within seconds. Always get a forecast for the area you intend to cycle in and seek advice from the locals [this advice can be sought at the local outdoor shops in the area].

KNOW THE BASIC OF FIRST AID:
If something goes wrong or come across someone whom requires help whether you are close to home or a distance away it is good practice to know the basic knowledge of first aid.

KNOW YOUR OWN ABILITIES AND EXPERTISE AND YOUR PARTY:
Always plan your routes according the abilities of your party and yourself and the expected conditions. Never be afraid to turn back there will be always be another day. If possible have an escape route if the weather turns bad or someone gets injured. Also allow time for breaks in your planning and day-light time.

BE AWARE OF THE SURROUNDINGS:
Always keep your eyes on the weather, companions, looking at your map to pinpoint features to establish where you are.

TAKE EXTRA CARE DURING DESCENT:
The vast majority of accidents happen during descent has you to tend to relax and come oblivious to the surroundings you are in. Remember you can always dismount off the bike on the steeper sections or on sections you don't feel confident about.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BIKE:
Seek advice from the specialist retailers or cycling shops that can be found in the area from purchasing a bike, looking after the bike and replacing parts.
Always ensure that the tyres are in good condition and are the correct pressure and also the moving parts are working and the bike is suitable for the planned route.

HAVE SOME IDEA OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: [You should know how to call out the emergency services or the mountain rescue team].
Mobile Phone: In the UK dial 999 and ask for the police giving details of where you are, nature of the problem, names and they will then contact the local emergency services or the mountain rescue team. The Whistle is used for the International Mountain Distress Signal which is six [6] good blasts on the whistle followed by minute silence then repeated. The answering call is three good blasts followed by a minute silence. Also both signals can also be made using other methods such as flashing a torch [six torch flashes at night], shouting help, waving a bright object.

RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT:
Be conservation minded not just to the physical environment but to the human environment as well.
Avoid surface damage by brakeing smoothly and progressively, approaching corners slow down and when braking on loose surfaces particular.
Keep to bridleways and byways and remember you don't have rights to cycle on footpaths and also you are not allowed onto open and common land.
Respect the countryside and the farmers land.
When approaching others allow for a fair warning, slow down for walkers you are about to meet and always obey the road signs and always give to horses.

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