Safety & Gear - Leucadia Cyclery

Safety & Gear

Stay safe on the road with proper gear and knowledge of cycling safety best practices. Your safety is the most important part of every ride.

Essential Safety Gear

Helmet

Critical

Your most important safety investment. A properly fitted helmet can save your life in case of an accident.

Key Points:

  • Should sit level on your head, not tilted back or forward
  • Straps should form a 'V' under each ear
  • Should be snug but comfortable when buckled
  • Replace every 3-5 years or immediately after any impact
Price Range: $30 - $300
Recommendations: Look for CPSC, SNELL, or ANSI certification. Consider MIPS technology for additional protection.

Lights

Critical

Essential for visibility, even during daylight hours. Front white light and rear red light are legally required in many areas.

Key Points:

  • Front light: 200+ lumens for urban riding, 400+ for rural areas
  • Rear light: Bright red, preferably with flashing mode
  • Use even during daylight for increased visibility
  • Always carry backup lights or extra batteries
Price Range: $20 - $200+ per light
Recommendations: USB rechargeable lights are convenient. Consider lights with side visibility for intersection safety.

Reflective Clothing

High

Bright, contrasting colors and reflective elements dramatically improve your visibility to motorists.

Key Points:

  • Bright fluorescent colors for daylight visibility
  • Reflective strips or panels for low-light conditions
  • Consider a reflective vest for maximum visibility
  • Avoid dark clothing, especially black or dark blue
Price Range: $15 - $100
Recommendations: Look for 360-degree reflectivity. Hi-vis yellow or orange are most effective colors.

Gloves

Recommended

Protect hands from road rash, improve grip, and reduce fatigue during longer rides.

Key Points:

  • Padded palms reduce pressure and vibration
  • Fingerless for better dexterity and ventilation
  • Full-finger for cooler weather and more protection
  • Should fit snugly without bunching or gaps
Price Range: $15 - $80
Recommendations: Gel or foam padding works best. Consider gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips.

Eye Protection

Recommended

Protects eyes from UV rays, wind, debris, and insects. Essential for comfort and safety.

Key Points:

  • 100% UV protection is essential
  • Wraparound style provides best coverage
  • Interchangeable lenses for different conditions
  • Should stay secure during active riding
Price Range: $20 - $200
Recommendations: Photochromic lenses adjust to light conditions. Consider clear lenses for low-light riding.

Proper Footwear

Recommended

Closed-toe shoes with good grip prevent foot injuries and improve pedaling efficiency.

Key Points:

  • Stiff soles transfer power more efficiently
  • Secure closure system (laces, velcro, or BOA)
  • Avoid loose laces that can catch in drivetrain
  • Consider clipless pedals and shoes for serious riding
Price Range: $40 - $400
Recommendations: Start with athletic shoes, upgrade to cycling-specific shoes as you ride more.

Road Safety Rules

Ride with Traffic

Legal Requirement

Always ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic. Riding against traffic is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Obey Traffic Laws

Legal Requirement

Bicycles must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.

Use Hand Signals

Legal Requirement

Signal your intentions clearly to other road users. Left arm extended for left turns, bent up for right turns.

Ride as Far Right as Safe

Legal Requirement

Stay as far right as safely possible, but take the lane when necessary for your safety.

Be Visible and Predictable

Safety Best Practice

Wear bright colors, use lights, and ride predictably. Avoid sudden movements or lane changes.

Stay Alert and Focused

Safety Best Practice

Avoid distractions like headphones or phone use. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Safety Best Practices

Intersection Safety

  • Slow down and look both ways before entering any intersection
  • Make eye contact with drivers when possible
  • Use proper hand signals well in advance of turns
  • Never assume drivers see you - always be defensive
  • Position yourself where drivers expect to see vehicles
  • Be extra cautious around right-turning vehicles

Road Positioning

  • Maintain a straight, predictable line of travel
  • Stay at least 3 feet away from parked cars (door zone)
  • Take the full lane when it's too narrow to share safely
  • Avoid riding in the gutter or on sidewalks
  • Look ahead and plan your path around obstacles
  • Use bike lanes when available and well-maintained

Weather Considerations

  • Reduce speed in wet conditions - braking distances increase
  • Be extra visible in low-light or foggy conditions
  • Avoid riding in severe weather (heavy rain, strong winds)
  • Dress appropriately for conditions to maintain control
  • Be aware that road surfaces can be slippery when wet
  • Consider indoor training during extreme weather

Group Riding Safety

  • Communicate hazards by pointing them out or calling out
  • Maintain steady speed and avoid sudden movements
  • Don't overlap wheels with the rider in front of you
  • Single file when cars need to pass
  • Follow the lead rider's pace and route decisions
  • Be extra courteous to motorists when in groups

Emergency Preparedness

Identification

Always carry ID with emergency contact information

Emergency Contacts

List emergency contacts in your phone and on a card in your wallet

Basic First Aid Knowledge

Learn basic first aid, especially for cuts, scrapes, and sprains

Roadside Assistance

Consider apps like AAA or bike-specific roadside assistance

Route Communication

Tell someone your planned route and expected return time

Emergency Tools

Carry a whistle, mirror, or other signaling devices for emergencies

California Cycling Laws - Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Key California Laws:

  • Helmet Law: Required for riders under 18
  • Lighting: White front light and red rear reflector required after dark
  • Lane Position: Ride as far right as practicable, but may take full lane when safer
  • Bike Lanes: Use bike lanes when present and safe
  • Three-Foot Rule: Motorists must give cyclists 3+ feet when passing

Your Rights as a Cyclist:

  • Same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
  • Right to use full traffic lane when necessary for safety
  • Protection under the three-foot passing law
  • Right to report aggressive or dangerous driving
  • Access to most public roads (except freeways)

Safety is Everyone's Responsibility

At Leucadia Cyclery, we believe that proper safety gear and education are investments in your long-term cycling enjoyment. We carry a full selection of safety equipment and are always happy to help you find the right gear for your needs and budget.

Our Safety Services:

  • Professional helmet fitting
  • Bike safety inspections
  • Safety gear consultations
  • Group ride safety briefings

Remember:

  • No ride is worth risking your safety
  • Gear is only effective if you use it properly
  • Stay alert and ride defensively
  • When in doubt, choose the safer option