How To Ride a Tricycle in a Big City

June 26, 2020

When you live in a big city, your options for outdoor exercise and recreation may seem limited. However, there are many activities you can try if you take some extra safety precautions. For example, you can still experience the benefits of riding a tricycle, even in a big city. You just need to learn how to navigate the streets effectively while keeping yourself safe. Here are some tips for how to ride your tricycle in the city.

Plan the Safest Routes in Advance

Are you getting ready to ride in an area you’re not familiar with? If so, your first step should be to download safe routes for bicycles and tricycles. Otherwise, you might find yourself on a dangerous highway with no shoulder to ride on. There are a variety of tools you can find or download to stay current on the best routes. A quick Google search should yield some of the best route-planning tools available for the area you plan to visit.

Even if you are cycling in an area you drive all the time, it’s still wise to sit down and plan your route in advance. When you know where you’re going, you’re less likely to make a snap decision that could take you down some sketchy roadways.

Make Sure Your Tricycle Is Ready

You should always check your tricycle over before heading out on a ride. Even if you’re only going a few miles, it’s still important to make sure your tricycle is in good condition. When you buy tricycles for sale from a bike shop, you can usually purchase some type of tune-up package for a good deal. Getting your tricycle tuned up regularly by professionals can not only ensure that you have a smooth ride, but it can also increase the lifespan of your trike.

Know Where the Bike Shops Are

You never know when one of your spokes might break or you may experience a mechanical bike problem. One of the perks of riding a tricycle in an area you’re familiar with is that you have a general idea of where nearby bike shops are. If you’re riding in an unfamiliar area, you should do a quick online search before you head out to make sure you know where the bike shops are on or near your planned route.

Know the Rules of the Road

Just like bicycles, tricycles are required to follow the rules of the road. You must stop at all stop signs and stop lights, and you must yield the right-of-way when it applies. If you’re riding trails, pay attention to painted arrows and symbols on the trail that indicate which way you should travel. You should also be on the lookout for posted speed limit signs, which help make trail traveling safe for everyone.

Always Be on Alert

No matter how well you understand and follow the rules of the road and trails, others may not follow them. That’s why you always need to be on high alert when you’re riding your tricycle. One of the advantages of tricycles in the city is that there are usually separate biking trails you can use.

However, those trails can quickly become clogged with people who don’t pay any attention to traffic flow indicators. They may walk in the wrong lane or you may encounter groups of people who take up all lanes of traffic without considering those around them. Keep an eye out for such situations so you’re always prepared to slow down, stop or move over as needed.

Stay Safe

Now that you know some basic tips for staying safe while tricycling in big cities, it’s time to get out there and ride! Check with your local bike shop if you’re wondering “what is the best tricycle for city riding?” They’ll be happy to give you advice.