If you are tired of sitting on your butt in your car and watching the clock tick away, it may be time to start riding a bike again! Riding a bike can be a very rewarding experience, but like anything else, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. Here are several useful tips for people looking to get back into shape on their bikes.

Check Your Bike. If it’s been a long time since you took out your bike for a ride, take some time to check it out. Check for any scratches or wear on the frame or the tires. Apply a thin layer of wax to prevent rust from building up. If you haven’t been riding for awhile, also have your tires rotated, both front and rear. It’s always best to ride side by side so you can catch mistakes from both sides.

Skip The Pants. Skipping pants is a big no-no when it comes to riding a bicycle. Not only do they make you look like you’re going to fall over, they decrease airflow and they increase your risk of getting a flat. Instead, wear comfortable knee and leg padding so you’re not sacrificing much comfort for safety.

Skip The Helmet. Although most bikers agree that wearing a helmet is a necessity if you plan on cycling for any length of time, skip the helmet during your first few rides out. By taking these few simple steps, you can improve your posture and protect your head from impact, which can prevent serious head injuries.

Lose The Fibula. Unless you’ve been riding for years and your fibula hasn’t cured yet, there’s a good chance you have bent or damaged your fibula during your previous ride. This is a common accident for many bikers, as they try to right themselves after getting off their bikes. Avoid this by riding with a support belt, adjusting your riding position to ensure your legs are in a neutral position at all times while you’re on your bike.

Finally, it’s always best to start riding a bike regularly with a safety check in place. This might include wearing reflective gear and making sure your bike has a working smoke system. You don’t want to be caught off guard if you see someone breaking into your road. Safety checks are also a great way to stay safe on your bicycle by practicing basic cycle-riding techniques. Begin by riding on level ground and make sure to keep your shoulders loose so you don’t fall off. Also, when going down a hill, don’t ride against the curb; instead, make a complete 360-degree turn, riding perpendicular to the street.