There are many people across the country and the world that cycle for competition, enjoyment, or as a method of transportation. The amount of people riding bikes is on the rise. For those of you who are just starting out with your bike, here are some important tips.

Protecting your head is a must. Always wear a helmet while cycling. Almost two thirds of deaths from cycling have resulted from head injuries. When you go for a ride on the bike, wear the helmet and make sure that anyone riding with you is as well. 

Cycling is great exercise but it is not recommended to pedal hard for a long period of time. Try to keep the pedaling somewhere between 70 rpm's and 90 rpm's. This will usually prevent additional strain on the knees.

Don't be afraid to use the gears on your bike. They are there for a reason. These gears will help you to keep the rpm in the right range without having to cycle too hard. This too helps to protect the knees from unnecessary strain.

A bicycle can normally be altered to fit various heights. Change the elements on the bike to fit your body properly. This will prevent any extra soreness that you might experience from straining your muscles awkwardly while using the bike.

There are different types of seats or saddles for a bicycle. The thickest one isn't always the most comfortable. Try out various saddles and find the one that is the most comfortable to you. This will make the ride much better for the present and the long run.

Changing your position while you are riding is a big help for a different reasons. When you change your position including how your hands are resting on the handles and how you are sitting on the seat, you can find the most comfortable ones for your body type. Also, by changing positions, your muscles will not be as sore as they would by staying in one place.

Avoid riding while wearing headphones. Having music or listening to other types of things can prevent you from hearing vehicles around you including the sirens of emergency vehicles. It also prevents you from hearing other important sounds. If you need to listen to something, have a clip on device that plays the sound around you and not directly in your ears.

There are rules to riding bikes on roadways and pathways. Make sure you know what these rules are. They may vary from place to place so check out the regulations specifically where you intend to ride. Also remember the hand signals for turning and stopping.

Be aware of everything that is going on around you. Watch the traffic and the pedestrians for clues as to which way they are going. This will allow you to react appropriately. Don't only watch those activities close to you but those that are in the distance. There may be obstacles in the road that you need to avoid or areas that require you to use extra caution.

Riding your bike can be a lot of fun and is an excellent mode of transportation. Staying safe is important. By using the right equipment with your bike such as the helmet and even shoes for cycling, using methods to prevent sore muscles, and being aware of your surroundings, you can create an even better riding experience.