How To Set The Correct Seat Height To Avoid A New Haven Bicycle Accident

When you’re planning on heading out to go for a bicycle ride in the city, you will want to do a number of things to keep yourself safe.  You will want to make sure you have a well-fitting helmet and the proper clothing to keep yourself safe.  You will want to tune your bike up to make sure that the brakes are working and the chain and gears are operating correctly.  There is one other step you will want to take to make sure you are keeping yourself free from a New Haven bicycle accident and that is to adjust the seat height properly.

Cycling experts often comment on seat height as one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself comfortable, but more importantly, to keep yourself safe.  If your seat is too high you may struggle to reach the pedals which can cause you to slip off the pedals and get into an accident.  If your seat is too high you may not be able to have the same level of control over your riding that you would if the seat height was properly adjusted and in that case you could lose control of your bike as well.  A proper seat height is one of the last, most critical things you can get right to keep yourself safe.

If seat height is so critical to a safe ride then it is important to understand how to set your seat height.  Follow these steps and you will make sure you have it right every time you sit up on your bike and head out for a ride.

Step #1: Sit on your bike and adjust your pedal so that it is at the lowest point it can possibly be placed.

Step #2: Place both feet on the ground.  If you can do this comfortably your seat is too low and should be raised.

Step #3: Put your heel on the pedal.  If your leg can extend fully, your seat is too high.  If your knee is completely bent, your seat is too low.  If you can make a slight bend in your knee you have found the “just right” position for your bike seat.

Following these three simple steps will help keep you safe while you’re on your bike and out for a ride.  Not only does having your seat height set incorrectly affect your ability to ride safely it will also add to the fatigue you feel from riding your bike.  Being tired while riding can lead you to making bad mistakes and put you in a situation where a New Haven bicycle accident is imminent.   This is most certainly not a situation you would want to be in and you should make sure you adjust your seat accordingly.

When you’re riding a bike, even the small things matter because they can directly affect your ability to ride your bike safely.  If you don’t take time to adjust things like seat height you may find yourself getting injured.  If this happens, you may wish to speak with an experienced attorney who has experience with situations like yours.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will speak with you about your situation and work on helping you to protect your long-term interests.