Cycling is fast becoming one of the biggest and more popular sporting codes in our city. Vision Optometrists would like to ensure you and your visual system remain safe on our roads and to this end bring you a few useful tips on safe handling and eye safety. Transitions™ Optical have teamed up with Garmin™ to sponsor a Tour de France team, be sure to look of for them during this year’s gruelling race. Read on and explore the Transitions™ Tour de France promo.
The UV factor
When riding your bike, remember that you are extremely vulnerable, not only to taxis, but to UV radiation too. Truth is you cannot hear enough about UV radiation and the eye. UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems. Ensure you wear professionally endorsed protective eyewear, especially those of you with sight corrective needs. Our featured product, Transitions™ lenses will ensure your eyes remain protected in any light. To read more on the dangers and prevention of UV radiation do visit our website.
Physical Protection
The other thing is eye protection. Never ride without eye protection. Not just because UV could burn your eyes, but bugs, road debris, practically anything can fly into your eyes, and at 50 km/h this will result in a visit to the hospital. Dryness is a major concern for many people, and after a long ride without eye protection, any eye will be dehydrated due to the exposure. The appropriate eyewear will hugely minimise evaporation and resulting dryness. If you struggle with dry eyes, visit our web for other useful tips.
Eye On Your Line
Use your eyes to corner better. The next time you take a corner at speed, concentrate on eying your line. Don’t stare directly in front of your wheel, watching for debris, cracks or potholes. You won’t notice even more dangerous obstacles farther ahead. Instead, “sweep” the whole corner with your eyes before you enter. Check your entry, then the apex of your arc, and finally, check the exit. Remember, the bike goes where you look.
See and be seen
Being the middle of winter, please ensure you use appropriate lighting; both for day and night cycling. During the day, a flashing front light is good because it attracts more attention. At night, rather use a constant front light than a flashing one. The steady stream of light will provide better visibility to drivers, while a flashing front light at night soon gets to be annoying as it strobes your view. Whenever it gets remotely dark outside, turn on your headlight. This means the moment that you feel your eyes straining to see well, even if the sky is not pitch black; remember too that drivers need to see you during twilight, so err on the cautious side and turn on your light earlier rather than later. Put a red LED strobe or beacon on the back of your bike. It is OK for this light to flash or have special patterns, because it disrupts night vision less than the white front lights, and because drivers do not count exclusively on your rear light to gauge their distance. |
Comments are closed.