Cautions on the Road

Hsun Chang

A cycle is also called a bicycle or bike. In Taiwanese, it's called the iron horse or Kongming carriage. Cycling doesn't require gasoline nor pollute the air. It can also exercise our bodies, help us to lose weight, enhance the cardiopulmonary function, lower blood pressure, and prevent osteoporosis. Besides using as a transport, recent study shows that cycling can support weight lose, muscle training, and illness prevention. However, one should study the cautions before cycling on the road.

Cautions before cycling

1. Tyre pressure.
2. Brake pad.
3. The seat shouldn't be higher than the standard height.
4. Put on certified helmet to avoid danger.
5. Know your own cycle very well.
6. Put on clothes with bright colours, but not too tight or too loose.
7. Be aware of sunburn. Choose the appropriate time to cycle to avoid sunburn.
8. Choose the suitable cycle for yourself.
9. Carry some basic tools, such as spare tyre and tyre lever.
10. Check the weather (it is recommended not to cycle in a rainy day to avoid danger)
11. Eat breakfast 30 minutes before leaving to avoid digestion problems.
12. Warm up before departure. If you worry about getting cramp in the journey, eat some banana before you leave.
13. If the weather is cold and dry, apply some lotion so the skin won't be dry and cracking.
14. Long-distanced cyclers must bring spare tyre and repairing tools.

Cautions during the Journey

1. Don't carry stuff over 15kg.
2. Follow the traffic rules, strictly no snaking and riding side by side.
3. Add and turn on the torch if to travel during the night.
4. Be aware of people rushing out.
5. Watch to road to avoid holes and rocks.
6. Wear a mask and check the air pollution.
7. Drink plenty of water.
8. Cycle at the right.
9. When traveling downhills, use the rear break before using the front ones to avoid falling.
10. If you can't ride uphills, don't force yourself to (it might damage the chainring). Get off and push. Push a cycle is not embarrassing.
11. No mobile while cycling. If you want to drink some water, stop before you do so.

Cautions after cycling

1. If your muscles are sore, use ice compress (NO hot compress) to speed up healing.
2. Use warm water to shower, don't use water that's too hot.
3. When you finish cycling, remember to drink the water that lose during the journey (How much weight you lose is how much water you drink. For example, if you lost 0.2kg, you drink 0.2kg of water)