Stay Safe, Stay Stylish: A Humourous Take on Cycle Safety

A Yorkshire Lass’s Guide to Cycle Safety and Sexy Servicing

Ah, cycling. For me, riding is one of my Big Rocks in life — those must-haves that keep me sane, healthy, and (let’s be honest) make me feel like I’ve got my life somewhat together (even when it is falling apart ??). But here’s the kicker: as much as I love cycling, it’s not without its risks. Let’s face it, falling off a bike is no one’s idea of a good time, and trust me, I’ve seen and actually experienced enough bruises to prove it.

But before you hang up your helmet in fear, let me assure you, those risks can be managed. Whether you’re cruising down the Yorkshire Dales, pedalling through the city, or (like me) struggling to keep up with the local cycling group, cycle safety and regular servicing are the secret sauce to staying safe, stylish, and stress-free on the road.

A Quick Reality Check on Bike Accidents

I don’t want to scare you off, but let’s talk accidents. We’ve all heard stories or, worse, experienced a close call ourselves. From broken collarbones and wrist fractures to concussions and grazed hips or knees, cycling can lead to some pretty painful mishaps. But here’s the good news — most of these accidents (excluding ‘the white van man’ or another vehicle driver who is either careless or reckless and blatantly cuts you up/off – they have issues, obviously) are avoidable if you take a few simple (and might I say, common-sense) steps.

The main culprits? Potholes, slippery roads, and, dare I say it, dodgy maintenance. Yep, sometimes the biggest danger isn’t the road — it’s your bike. An unexpected brake failure or a loose chain in the middle of nowhere can turn your peaceful ride into a frantic dash for survival (more on this later).

Safety First: Gearing Up the Right Way

Let’s get something straight: looking like a glow stick on wheels isn’t just about style — it’s about safety. If you’re riding on the road, especially in the Yorkshire twilight, visibility is everything. Reflective, high-vis clothing is an absolute must. You want drivers to spot you from a mile away, not after they’ve had to slam on the brakes.

Then there’s your helmet. No, it doesn’t make you look like a nerd. What’s truly uncool is a cracked skull. Had I not been wearing a helmet during my most recent bike incident I would certainly have experienced this for sure, or worse! When I bounced onto the asphalt my helmet was toast – split / cracked / scraped / bevelled – it took the full brunt of me hitting the ground.

I strongly recommend you invest in a high-quality helmet, one that fits snugly but comfortably, and make sure it meets all safety standards. You might think you're invincible, but the road has a way of humbling us all, whether you’re tootling along at 6mph from just pulling out from a junction (as I was) or beasting it at an average 30mph. When you hit the deck, it hurts. A lot!

And for the love of all things two-wheeled, please get some decent lights! Front, back, and even a cheeky little helmet light if you’re feeling fancy. And cameras! A bike camera (for example, a GoPro camera) isn’t just for recording those glorious views of the countryside; it’s your insurance in case a driver decides to test the limits of your personal space. This happens more often than one would like btw! Harrumph!!?

How I Protect My (Naked) Self

I’m all about the gear — not in an obsessive way (okay, maybe a little), but because I value my life. Bright, reflective clothing is my first line of defence, especially when I’m riding during the early hours or at dusk. I’ve got a helmet that fits like a glove, with extra padding in case I decide to test my coordination or stiff cleats by tumbling over (again) – Doh!! And my bike? Kitted out with front and rear lights, because I refuse to blend into the background.

I’ll admit it though — I’m useless at anything mechanical. Whether it’s my bike, The Naked Lawyer’s segway (?? *wink), my household appliances or even a basic household fix in any capacity, I’m hopeless! Honestly, I even struggle with rudimentary punctures. My thumbs are about as useful as a chocolate fireguard when it comes to levering off a stubborn tyre (particularly from deep rim wheels). The guys on my group rides know this and (bless them) usually sort it out for me (woo-hoo). But I’m starting to think it might be time to take a workshop or two… before my mates stage an intervention and I get dropped from the gang. Perish the thought. ?

Servicing: Your Bike Deserves It!

Moving swiftly on, let’s talk about bike servicing. Just like you wouldn’t skip your car’s MOT (or at least I hope not), your bike deserves a regular once-over. Ideally, a full service once a year, especially if you’re clocking up the miles. After all, cycling through the hills of Yorkshire can take its toll on your gears, chain set, brakes, and tyres (as well as your body). A yearly service helps keep those component parts in check, ensuring nothing falls apart when you’re out in the sticks.

The tricky part? Finding a good bike shop that does a proper Yorkshire service. You get what I mean? Friendly and value for money ??. In my experience there’s something special about a local, family-owned service centre. You know the type — where the staff are genuinely interested in you, your bike, and your cycling habits. They care about every little detail, and I’ve found that this human touch makes all the difference. You don’t get that same warmth in big corporate chains, where it’s all about rushing you in and out like cattle imho.

A good bike shop will not only service your ride but get to know you. They’ll understand the kind of cycling you do and advise you on upgrades or tweaks that will be easier on your purse whilst keeping your life safer. Plus, you build a relationship with them. And trust me, having that bond is invaluable, especially when you need advice on how to handle basic maintenance in between services.

Why Proper Fitting Matters

Have you ever ridden a bike that just doesn’t feel quite right? Maybe the seat’s too low, the handlebar too far. It’s a bit like wearing shoes two sizes too small. You can do it, but it’s painful, and eventually, something’s going to give. That’s why I always recommend having your bike fitted to you. When you buy a new bike, have the shop build it from scratch to ensure everything is set up perfectly for your frame and reach etc. It’s a game-changer. And injury saver.

Some shops even specialise in particular brands, like Shimano or Bosch (for example Riverside Ebikes and Cycles), so they’re pros at handling those components. If you’re investing in something high-end, it pays to know that the people working on your bike are experts in that brand. And yes, that includes my newfound obsession with e-bikes — the perfect blend of technology and old-school fun. I mean, why wouldn’t you want an extra boost when climbing those Yorkshire hills?

Trusting the Mechanics (Because I’m Useless!)

I’ll be honest, I trust my bike mechanics with my life because, well, I have to. I’m absolutely useless when it comes to anything mechanical. Whether it’s adjusting the brakes or tightening a chain, it’s all a bit beyond me. If there’s a sexy bike mechanic around, I’m even more likely to hand over my bike and say, “You deal with it, love!” After all, The Naked Lawyer loves a good servicing once a year, with a little ‘safety check’ in between. ?? *wink

But jokes aside, knowing that my bike is in tip-top shape thanks to someone who actually knows what they’re doing brings me peace of mind. And you can’t put a price on that when you’re miles away from home, cycling through the wilderness.

Why Cycling is the Ultimate Therapy

There’s nothing quite like getting out on your bike for a bit of fresh air, is there? It’s good for the mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re cycling solo through the countryside, riding with friends or family, or pushing through that final hill with a group, it’s therapy. A sort of moving meditation. And trust me, when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with a puncture, you’ll want the peace of mind that your bike is safe to ride (if you can fix that puncture, of course!).

If something major breaks, it can feel like your day is ruined. And believe me, having had to call a taxi back home from the middle of the Yorkshire Dales (twice!) because my bike decided to throw a fit, I know the cost of neglect all too well (mea culpa). And let me tell you, it’s not cheap. Which is why regular servicing and safety checks are so important. They save you money in the long run by preventing major mishaps. I’m happy for you to learn from my costly mistakes. ??

Key Takeaways on Bike Safety and Servicing

• Wear bright clothing and invest in high-quality lights to stay visible, especially during those twilight rides.
• Protect your noggin! Always wear a helmet that fits snugly and meets safety standards.
• Regular bike servicing is a non-negotiable. A full service once a year, or more if you’re racking up the miles, keeps your bike safe and reliable.
• Trust the experts. Build a relationship with your local bike shop, and let the pros handle the tricky stuff.
• Get your bike fitted properly when you buy it. It’ll save you from discomfort (and possibly injury) down the road

Time for a Bike and Wardrobe Check, Love!

When was the last time you gave your bike a proper once-over? Be honest. Is your chain as rusty as that old tin of beans in the back of your cupboard? Have you checked your brakes recently, or are you still relying on sheer willpower or prayer to stop? Maybe it’s time to ask yourself when you last had a full service done on your bike — because let’s face it, waiting until something snaps or falls off isn’t the best strategy.

So, get cracking… Give your bike a safety check. If you're anything like me and hopeless at maintenance, grab a mate who knows what they’re doing or pop into your local bike shop. They’ll make sure your ride is ready for the road. While you’re at it, do a quick wardrobe check too. Got enough reflective gear? Is your helmet up to scratch? You might even need some new glasses and high-vis clothing — and let’s be honest, we ladies never need much of an excuse to go shopping, do we?

It’s time to make sure you and your bike are ready for your next adventure. Get your gears sorted, your wardrobe updated, and hit the road with confidence…

After all, cycling is way more fun when you're safe and stylish! ?? ?? ??

Hope to see you out on the road in all your new bling soon …

Hugs and love, me and The Naked Lawyer ?? xxx

Shameless plug … Forgive me, I am the Non-Executive Director and it’s my duty ??

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