Oct 5, 2021
Crash Recovery — 5 Crucial Things To Do After A Cycling Accident & How To Be Prepared
It’s going to happen at some point — even to the best riders.
If you spend significant amounts of time on a bike, at some point you’re going to take a fall.
Maybe it won’t be your fault, but chances are good that it will happen eventually — so it’s best to be prepared.
Being ready to take action after an accident, and knowing what actions to take, can make the difference between a minor incident and a major problem.
There are a few things you can do before an accident to make sure you’re ready.
1.The Right Supplies
If you’re carrying some spare parts and tools, you can probably patch up your bike.
More importantly — make sure you’re carrying a first aid kit so you can patch yourself up.
You should also always carry a cell phone so you can call for help in an emergency.
2. Insurance
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get insurance for your bike.
What you can definitely get insurance for, though, is your riding gear.
The best cycling kit will come with a crash replacement guarantee, so if you trash your gear you can get a new set at no cost.
3. The Buddy System
It never hurts to ride with a friend — or even a whole crew.
Not only can you help each other in case of an emergency, but you can also split the supplies so you don’t have to carry it all.
Unfortunately, none of those things will prevent an accident, they’ll only help you to be prepared for one.
When an accident does happen, if you’re well supplied, you’ll probably be alright.
There are a few things you can do to improve your odds and keep yourself safe.
1.Check Your Helmet
Injuring your body is bad — but injuring your head can be a lot more serious.
If you’re disoriented, dizzy, or confused, you could have a concussion.
Any damage to your helmet can also be an indication that you took a serious blow to your head.
Call for help if you think you might have taken one — it’s better to be safe than sorry, and riding while injured could make it worse.
2. Go Slow
You might think you’re alright — or that you can tough it out.
Sometimes that feeling only lasts a few minutes though — it’s part of our body’s built-in defense and repair systems.
Take your time, walk around a bit before hopping back on your bike to make sure you’re alright to ride.
3. Self Check
Move your arms, your legs, your hands, and your feet.
Make sure you’ve got a full range of motion, and check yourself carefully for any invisible damage.
Just because you’re not bleeding doesn’t mean you’re not seriously injured.
4. Bike Check
You don’t want to hurt your bike any worse than it already is.
Take a minute to give it a once over, make sure everything is in place and nothing is bent.
Make sure to check your tires, brakes, and steering before you hop back on.
5. Tell Someone
As a final precaution, if you think you’re ready to ride home, tell someone first.
Let them know you’ve been in an accident, where you are, and where you’re going.
Then tell them to expect another call or message when you get there, and how long that should take.
If there are multiple route options, tell them which way you’re going.
That way, if for any reason you don’t make it back, they can call you to make sure you’re alright, or get you help if you don’t answer.
Cycling accidents can be deadly serious, but by taking the proper precautions you can drastically reduce your risks of a major incident.
Always be prepared, don’t forget your phone or first aid pack, and if you care about your kit, make sure you get gear with a crash replacement guarantee.
They say any crash you can walk away from is a good one — but it would be even better if you can ride away.
A little preparation can go a long way — take care out there.
