My mom and I made a pact this summer that we would go bike riding. It’s one of those things that we always say we’re going to do every summer. But then September rolls around and we’ve failed our bike riding mission.
This summer we actually kept our pact. We rented CitiBikes on three occasions and hit the West Side Highway and Summer Streets. It was incredible. Both of us agreed as simple as it may sound, it was one of the highlights of summer.
It got me thinking about how much I LOVE bike riding. Sure, you can pedal your legs in a spin class. But it’s def not the same sensation as riding a real bike.
According to Dr. Neal Shipley of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care it only takes two to four hours a week of cycling to achieve a general improvement to your health. Healthy benefits of regular cycling include:
- increased cardiovascular fitness
- increased muscle strength and flexibility
- improved joint mobility
- decreased stress levels
- strengthened bones
- reduced anxiety and depression.
Living in New York I’m intimidated by the idea of cycling on the streets. In the 9 years since I’ve moved here, though, NYC has made some huge strides in making cycling a safer option. Thank you, bike lanes. And Citibike makes it pretty easy to make biking a habit. Plus you don’t have to squeeze a bike into your tiny NYC apartment.
Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care is currently partnering with CitiBike to promote a healthy lifestyle and the importance of receiving quality care. I speak from personal experience when I say Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care is excellent. I went last year after I thought I broke my ankle thanks to a flying trapeze trick gone awry.
The office I went to was SPOTLESS — and this is coming from a germaphobe that hates doctors offices. The entire process was seamless from electronic check-in to getting x-rays taken and looked at within the hour. It was also much cheaper than dealing with the emergency room would have been.
I’m still working on mustering up the courage to hit the open road on a Citibike and not just the West Side Highway. Dr. Robert Korn of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care gave me the following tips for staying safe while cycling in NYC.
And should the occasional bump or bruise occur be sure to visit Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care.
A New Yorker’s Guide To Cycling Safety
▶︎ Wear a helmet that fits.
Yes, everyone agrees that wearing a helmet is essential. When riding any of the made in the usa bikes, a correctly fitting helmet is also essential. A Snug but not tight fit is ideal for your helmet. If you ride your bike around the city without a helmet, then you end up creating unnecessary risks for yourself. Suppose you get into an accident and end up with a head injury. They are all too common in big cities where accidents happen on a daily basis. Even if it is minor, without the help and assistance of a qualified medical professional like Dr Timothy Steel or someone like him, you could probably end up with permanent brain damage. So many grievous injuries can be avoided by simply wearing a helmet.
▶︎ Be cautious
Don’t assume cars and pedestrians can see you – an open door in the bike lane can lead to quite a serious injury. Take care and be alert when riding on the streets to ensure a safe ride. If you’re nervous about street biking, head to a park! The city has an elaborate bike map, so you won’t be hard-pressed to find a more scenic route.
▶︎ Learn the rules of the road
If you’re going to ride on the streets, know how to do so within the law. Be safe and study up on NYC bicycling regulations, found here.
▶︎ Put the phone away
This should go without saying. The number of times I’ve seen people maneuvering their bike with one hand while texting with the other is baffling. Pull over to film that IG story!
▶︎ Dusk and dawn
Dusk and dawn are high risk times for drivers not being able to see you. It is a good idea to use a high-quality rear red flasher at all times to increase your visibility.
▶︎ Wear good footwear
No, flip-flops and Birkenstocks won’t cut it. Sandals, flip flops, (or bare feet!) make your bike harder to control and increase the risks of a slip and fall. Most sneakers will do just fine.
▶︎ Avoid Heavy Backpacks
Carrying a very heavy pack high on your back raises your center of gravity, making you and your bike more unstable, and less likely to stay upright if you swerve, or bump something. Keep heavy objects down as low as possible: messenger bag, handle bar bag, or bike pannier (saddle bags) work best.
Tell Me: What other tips do you have for cycling in NYC?
This post is sponsored by Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Kayla in the City.
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