How to ride a bike in summer

• Drink at least every 15 minutes, and carry a thermal flask with cold water and a few pieces of ice. Hydration in high temperatures and with the hot is critical
• Protect yourself from the sun, your body must be covered, if necessary use a sunscreen and wear sunglasses
• Eat only fruit during the journey and before you leave, and avoid any sugary drinks.
• Rinse your wrists, neck and head with cool water at the first sign of heat and then continuously.
• When choosing clothing, favor light colors, especially white, and avoid cotton suits. Technical clothing and a suitable helmet are better.
• Be careful about the routes you choose, it's better to avoid provincial and local roads, and choose safe cycle paths
• Always to increase your safety, try to go in a group

Flat routes

We weren't born cyclists, and we don't have to participate in the Giro d'Italia. So, especially when you're not yet an expert, or particularly fit, it's best to choose smooth, flat routes. This avoids steep climbs and descents. A parking lot or park is also fine: anywhere there's not much traffic. Once you've become more experienced, you can also choose more challenging routes. Without presumption. And always keeping your identity card in mind. With the bikeIn theory, we can do anything, but the strain on our heart and muscles is not easy, especially if we choose uphill routes. Let's keep this in mind.

The right clothing

Don't waste money on fancy tracksuits and professional uniforms. They're not necessary. Instead, avoid making the mistakes of city rookies. Women should avoid long skirts and men should avoid baggy pants. The reason? They can get caught in the gear shifters and wheel spokes. As for shoes, it's best if they're not open-toed. Sneakers come in two versions, winter and summer: choose the ones you like. The same goes for practical and comfortable cotton shoes when temperatures are high.

Correct nutrition

While it's not a good idea to go out on a full stomach, whether on a city break or a hike, it's also true that cycling can make you hungry. It's best to be safe. Water, and a water bottle, should always be on hand. As for food, you're spoiled for choice: biscuits, sandwiches, fresh and dried fruit, and energy bars. You're not fasting, but you're also not going on a food picnic.

The right time to pedal

In theory, we can ride a bike at any time of day or night. In practice, it's always better to ride during the day, and in cooler weather if it's summer. The main reason for this is safety. Unfortunately, bike paths in Italy aren't well-equipped everywhere to allow cyclists to ride safely. Therefore, people often opt for paved roads, which aren't exactly ideal at night, in the dark.

The helmet

Another essential choice for not wasting a beautiful bike ride and enjoying it in complete safety. A helmet is mandatory for children, but we should all use one, especially on outings and trips outside of town. The new models are very lightweight, offer good protection, and don't cause any discomfort while pedaling. The important thing is that it's tight, fits the head exactly, and reaches up to 2,5 centimeters above the eyebrows.

Saddle and brakes

Choose the one that's most comfortable for your rides. If it's too stiff, you'll experience discomfort and, sooner or later, you'll be discouraged from riding. Brakes, on the other hand, should always be checked carefully, both on flat surfaces and, especially, when going downhill. Check this especially every time you ride someone else's bike, who may not be aware of their poorly functioning brakes.

Avoid headphones

Riding your bike while listening to music can be enjoyable. But you must be aware that it's a risky choice. Your attention will wane, you risk being isolated, losing concentration, and not paying attention to the signals coming from the road. A good compromise might be: yes to music, but at a very low volume.

Cycling in company

The most fun and rewarding way to ride a bike is with friends. Riding a group is a relaxed, enjoyable option that makes everything less tiring and safer. And when you're in a group, you can even indulge in some competitive moments with your fellow riders.

How to drive safely

The first thing to respect is the highway code, including road signs. For example: keep the direction of travel, don't zigzag, stop at yellow lights, don't turn around without looking at anyone coming from behind, and be careful when pulling over to a car that's stopping and the driver is opening the door. There are rules that cyclists must follow, even if they're not using a motorized vehicle for transportation and even if they're simply engaging in a sporting activity. The second thing to remember is common sense. Cyclists should never feel superior to drivers or motorcyclists. We're all equal when it comes to the necessary precautions on the road. Of course, cyclists are riskier than motorcyclists, and the statistics speak for themselves. It's common to be knocked over, sometimes with tragic consequences, and accidents involving cyclists in Italy are a national disgrace. The most useful advice is not to challenge anyone—you don't ride a bike to compete on this level—and to always assume the worst when dealing with someone who precedes us or follows us in a rather adventurous way.

It's also a good idea to be informed about local laws, which vary, for example, from country to country. In some countries, it's possible to go to bike even on the sidewalks, in others it is absolutely prohibited.

Cyclist etiquette

Cycling is also a lesson in etiquette. You must be polite to everyone on the road and to each other. If you're riding outside the city, on cycle paths in the countryside or in the city, and you encounter someone, the rule is to say hello. Even if it's just a nod. Rather, if you pass a cyclist in difficulty, you have the obligation to stop and ask if they're having problems and need help. This isn't just a matter of etiquette, but also proof that you're immune to indifference.

Cycling accidents in summer

Read also:

• Municipalities that give money to those who use bicycles
• How to organize a cycling holiday
• Why cycling is so good for you
• Pedal-powered school buses: children have fun and parents no longer have to take the car