Bicycling is a popular sight in New York City. Not only will you see Bicycle messengers on the roads, you will also see recreational riders. Staying safe on these journeys through the city isn't easy. Not only do they have to ride in a safe manner, they also have to foresee the actions of others.

There are some things that riders can do to say safe in the Big Apple. Whether you've lived here all of your life or are just in town on vacation, make sure you remember these before you pedal away.

Get the gear you need

You must ensure that you have a helmet and reflective clothing. Sturdy shoes are also a must. Ideally, you will wear sneakers when your ride. Sandals and other open summer shoe styles can cause injuries to your foot if you are in an accident.

The bike must be in good condition. Make sure that the tires are road worthy and that they are properly inflated. You should also check the brakes to ensure that they are ready to help you stop. All reflectors on the bicycle should be in the correct places.

Practice safe riding

You must ride on bicycle paths if they are available. If not, you can ride on the road. Don't ride on sidewalks as this isn't allowed in this city. As you are riding, you have to watch out for vehicles. One common issue is dooring, which means that someone opens one's door right in a bicycle's path. This can lead to serious injuries. You must follow the same rules of the road as cars, so be sure you are familiar with them.

Another important thing to remember is that bicyclists can only have one earbud in when they ride. This is so that you can hear what is going on around you. If you are unfamiliar with the city, you might want to bypass earbuds so that you can focus on what is going on around you.

There are bound to be bicycle wrecks in a city as densely populated as New York City. When you are involved in one, take stock of yourself so that you can get treatment for any injuries you suffered. Make sure you report the incident to the authorities and get the information for the other parties involved.