Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
Bicycles are a means of transportation that is now becoming a trend. Besides being environmentally friendly, cycling also helps maintain a healthy body. In Century pandemic Covid-19, bicycles are increasingly popular because their use is considered to minimize exposure to viruses.
In order to ride safely, there are a few tips for new cyclists. Cycling is not just being able to pedal and maintain balance, there are a number of things that lay cyclists should know before starting to pedal and drive.
Tips for New Cyclists
A number of things need to be considered by cyclists so that this positive activity is safe to do and avoid negative things, including:
Body Position When Cycling
Cycling involves almost all parts of the body, therefore each part must be in the right condition to avoid injury, here is the page Rodalink note a few tips:
1. Head
Position your head in the curved groove of the spine. Always keep your eyes fixed to the front following the direction of the trajectory. If your head needs movement, keep your neck relaxed to avoid injury.
2. Hands
When pedaling at moderate speed, it’s a good idea to bend your arms slightly. Hold the bicycle handlebar at the outer end if you want to reduce the burden on your shoulders and back. For a safe position, place your fingers on the brake lever while driving.
3. Back
Position your back as comfortable as possible when riding on a bicycle. If you want to go at high speed, you can bend your back slightly, this technique is usually used by racers. For normal situations, bend your back when the road is climbing, and keep your back straight when crossing the downhill path.
Illustration: Tips for new comers cyclists are to pay attention to the position of the body organs (Photo: CNN Indonesia / Bisma Septalisma)- – |
4. Shoulders
Position the shoulders following the groove of the spine to the hands. Always keep your shoulders relaxed so you don’t put too much weight on your back.
5. Feet
It is important for cyclists to adjust the distance between the saddle (bicycle stand) and the pedals. This is done so that the position of the feet is at a comfortable point. The comfortable point of the foot when cycling is when the leg is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees when in the lowest position of the foot when riding. If it is too high, then the waist muscles will feel tense. Conversely, if the saddle is too low it will make your heels sore.
Types of Bicycles
In addition to the position of the body on the bicycle, it is also important for beginners to be familiar with the types of bikes. Make sure you understand very well the bike you have. This is related to how often you use the bike, the condition of the route you are going to take, your posture, and the size of the tires. Here are 5 types of bicycles that are commonly used by many people:
1. Folding Bike
Illustration: Folding bikes are a favorite of new cyclists (Photo: iStockphoto / Pierre Aden)- – |
Folding bikes, or commonly called Seli, are a type of bicycle that is suitable for use in urban areas. Apart from its light weight, this bicycle is also easy to carry even if you use public transportation.
Special Features: Lightweight, flexible, concise
Where to use: City streets
2. Mountain bikes or Mountain Bike (MTB)
MTB product designs are designed to run on mountainous contours, although nowadays many also use them on public roads. The MTB design emphasizes the suspension because it is intended to reduce shocks from mountain tracks.
Special Features: Fork the bike has a suspension
Location of Use: Mountains
3. Bike Race or Road Bike
Illustration: Racing bikes are one of the new choices for cyclists (Photo: AP / Luca Bruno)- – |
This type of bicycle is designed to run at high speed. This can be seen from the lighter frame and handlebar design. Racing bike designs are divided into several types according to the priority of strength, among them Aero, Endurance, and Lightweight.
Distinctive Features: Lightweight, sturdy, features the speed level
Location of use: Asphalt road
4. BMX bikes
BMX bike or Bicycle Moto Cross designed to perform a variety of actions freestyle. The BMX frame is smaller than other types of bikes. In addition, there are not many cables running through the frame of this bike to optimize the bike for freestyle action.
Special Features: Low saddle, higher handlebars, single gear (single speed)
Location of Use: Urban public facilities, hangars freestyle.
5. Hybrid Bike
This type of bicycle combines the concept of a MTB bike and a Road Bike. The design arrangement is intended to provide the ability for speed and agility when hitting bumpy tracks.
Distinctive Features: Large, sturdy frame, using suspension
Where to use: City streets and tracks off road
Illustration: The safety factor of cycling should be a concern for new cyclists (Photo: CNN Indonesia / Bisma Septalisma)- – |
Cycling Safety Factor
Driving by bicycle must also pay attention to safety. When cycling on public roads, wear a helmet. Cyclists are also advised to provide lights on the bicycle so that its presence is visible to other road users. Use the path that has been provided, do not violate and take the rights of other motorists on the road.
Apart from external factors, also pay attention to the internal factors of the cyclist. Make sure you ride according to your abilities and physical condition. Pay attention to every detail of the cycling position to avoid injury. Find out tips for new cyclists, and apply them when you ride, either alone or together.
(imb / fjr)
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