Rebound Sports Medicine Specialists Provide Safety Guidance for Cycling

As cycling-friendly as the Portland & Vancouver areas have been, even more bikes are hitting the trails and roads as locals seek safe exercise/fresh air in the wake of COVID-19. To help our community prevent injury as they ride out the pandemic with cycling & mountain biking, sports medicine specialists Drs. Karl Kaluza and Jesse McCarron at Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery offer tips & reminders for riders of all levels Patients in need of specialized bone, joint and muscle care are encouraged to call 1-800-REBOUND to be seen by Dr. Kaluza in Lake Oswego at 4811 Meadows Road, Suite 101, or by Dr. McCarron in Vancouver at 200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 110, or 2121 NE 139th Street, Suite 300, as well as in Portland at 1 N. Center Court St., Suite 110.  

“As dedicated health care providers, we're excited to see so many area residents getting healthy exercise,” says Dr. Kaluza. “While cycling is great for both mental and physical health, there are some safety risks when increasing mileage or starting out a new activity, as well as general injuries associated with bike riding, so we wanted to share some safety tips and reminders with our community.” 

When cycling or mountain biking, follow these safety tips from Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery to stay safe and avoid injury:

• Wear the right gear and clothing. Always have a helmet on securely, and wear additional safety gear and specialized shoes when mountain biking. Avoid loose clothing, open-toed shoes, sandals, shoes with a heel or any inappropriate footwear.
• Pay proper attention to your bike. When riding, do not have on headphones or use your phone. Maintain your bike's tires, gears and brakes regularly. 
• Ride trails suited to your skill level. Even for experienced riders, you should walk every section of a new trail with obstacles or drops until you're familiar with the terrain. Avoid trails that exceed your skill level. 
• Follow the rules of the road. If riding on streets or roads, follow all ordinances for cyclists, including riding in bike lanes, signaling turns
• Ride safely outside. Stay hydrated and take breaks when you get too tired. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to falls and injuries. Pay attention to the weather and avoid riding in inclement conditions. 

“If you have joint or muscle pain from riding or sustain an injury, you should see a sports medicine specialist as soon as you can,” says Dr. McCarron. “If you sustain a head injury or get a cut or scrape that doesn't stop bleeding, go to an emergency room or urgent care immediately.”

To schedule a safe appointment with Dr. Kaluza, Dr. McCarron, or one of the many other fantastic providers at Rebound, call 1-800-REBOUND.