No matter how careful you are, sometimes accidents do happen. This is especially true with cycling. Oftentimes you ride through dangerous terrains or share the road with motorists. It's important to maintain your safety at all times. And that's why you should wear protective gears and abide by certain safe bike riding essentials.

Although protective wear will not prevent injuries from happening, they can lessen their severity. Wearing appropriate garments for bike riding, such as Pearl Izumi shorts and a matching top isn't enough. These garments give you a certain level of protection all right, but there are other must-haves to be worn with them.

Wearing a helmet keeps your head from sustaining critical injuries. Studies have concluded that head injuries are reduced by 60 percent when a helmet is worn during a bicycling crash. However, it's not enough that you put on any helmet type. Go for one that's specifically designed for cycling. Look for that sticker or label saying it meets strict standards.

Other protective gears include a pair of shatter-proof eye goggles and gloves. Depending on how you will use your bike, such as in cases of extreme riding, you may need to wear additional gears. There are elbow pads, knee pads and shin guards available. There are also shoes exclusive for cycling, to provide utmost comfort and safety as well.

Your bicycle should also have accessories that are meant to keep you out of harm's way. Your Schwinn mountain bike or BMX may not come fully accessorized. If you intend to ride at night at times, it's important for your bicycle to have front and rear lights. Installing reflectors will also make you more visible to motorists. Then there are also mirrors and horns available.

It's also important for you to know and practice some road cycling rules. For example, going in a straight line makes your course predictable to others. Or you should use your hands to signal when stopping or turning. Think that you're driving a car, thus you should behave that way and be a defensive driver. Be smart at all times, such as making decisions not to take a busy road.

Having a personal trainer is essential if you're planning on becoming a professional cyclist. He or she will coach you the right way, each time your skill level advances. However, it's not constantly that there's someone to guide you while riding. Putting on proper protective gears and abiding by road rules will help minimize your risk of getting in an accident or injured.