The sun is your best friend when it comes to cycling because it means perfect weather to get out there and hit the roads! A bright, sunny day is a great time to experience the outdoors compared to when it’s rainy and wet. Although this is a good sign, that doesn’t mean it’s perfectly safe to step out and be active without protecting yourself. Sun rays can often be strong and harmful to your skin, so here are a few ways to look after your health and safety when biking during bright days:
Wear High-SPF or UPF Clothing When Biking
Unless you’re doing forest trail biking runs, you will realistically be introduced to heat rays almost the whole time with minimal shade. This would cause skin damage where you are being exposed to a harsh light for long periods of time. Sun protective clothing like our Vangard Neon Jersey is best when repelling UV rays and heat energy. With full UPF50+ protection and durable construction, you can’t go wrong with purchasing one.
Use a Shading Device Along With Your Helmet
Helmets are essential in keeping you safe while you cycle. It would be unwise to hit the road or trail without one, as damage to your head can be fatal. The issue is, most helmets don’t offer sun protection or visors to shade you. This can easily be remedied by purchasing a helmet shade or visor, such as our Cycling Classic Helmet Brim, which wraps around your head protection and offers 360 degrees of protection. We also offer models for children that include fun designs, because they need protection just as much as you do.
Wear Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses are very important, as they protect one of the most important parts of our bodies. Without vision, cycling wouldn’t be possible along with so many other things. UV rays are damaging to the eyes, and eyes are close to irreplaceable, so it would be wise to invest in good sunglasses to protect them.
Use Sunscreen As Much as Possible
Sunscreen is a very vital intervention, as it keeps our bodies safe from harmful UV rays. It is advisable to use these products even on cloudy days, as these harmful rays are known to penetrate clouds. UVA affects the elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles and skin ageing, and even skin cancer. UVB causes sunburn and has strong linkages to cancerous cells forming. High SPF sunscreen will help deter UV rays from damaging your skin, which is why it is crucial to always invest in a good strong sunscreen.
Try to Stay Out of the Sun
This does not mean to avoid going out altogether. This means picking the time of day to go out and cycle, such as early mornings or late evenings rather than in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. When it is directly overhead, the heat becomes most intense, so it is advisable to make a stop in a cafe or other establishment to rest if you decide to cycle at this time.
Conclusion
Cycling is a fun hobby and a great sport to get into, as it offers good exercise and a good way to sight see at a slower pace. Being exposed to the elements is a downside, but can easily be combated using modern-day innovations and products.
At Sun Brims New Zealand, we are fully aware of the intense heat that the sun brings, which is why we created bike helmet brims that are designed to protect riders from harsh environments – check out our products today!
