There are many health benefits to keeping fit and active and if the gym isn’t for you, you’ll probably be exercising in and around your own neighbourhood. However, this may mean sharing the road with many more powerful and dangerous vehicles than you – cars, trucks and buses to name a few.

There is plenty of things you can do to protect yourself from potential dangers, like car accidents, and reflective running gear is a good place to start. Being seen is vital to your safety when on the roads whether you’re walking, running or cycling. Active wear brands and retailers recognise this and are tackling the problem, offering their solutions to keep you safe while exercising on the road.

Safety and comfort while running

Running around the streets of your neighbourhood is a convenient way to get in shape; it costs next to nothing and you can start the moment you leave the house. Some top names from the world of running share their advice for safe and enjoyable running on our roads.

Saucony

Saucony has been inspired by runners since its establishment in 1898. For over 100 years the company’s award-winning running shoes have transformed the way athletes perform, and have been worn by running fanatics the world over. Today Saucony continues to strive to create the best running shoes and apparel on the planet.

Keep it bright

‘When running after dark it’s essential that you can be seen,’ says Saucony. Wearing whites or bright fluorescent clothing is an excellent safety precaution. With this in mind, Saucony has developed a range of reflective running clothes in the form of both shoes and clothing that light up under beams of streetlights and car headlights.

There’s safety in numbers

‘Running with a friend, especially after dark ensures you have a buddy to keep an eye out for your safety,’ say the apparel experts. In addition, they suggest leaving your earphones behind; or at the very least, keep the music down while you’re running, so you can listen for potential danger from your surroundings. It’s important to be prepared for anything, as not all runs go to plan – take your mobile phone, and let someone know where you’ll be running and what time you expect to be back.

Luxe Fitness

Luxe Fitness is an online supplier of lifestyle, active and street wear brands, offering ranges from some of the best-known designers in Australia and worldwide. By making an extensive range of activewear easily accessible in one place, Luxe Fitness aims to motivate customers to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle, keeping you feeling and looking great.

Support your body

Wearing safe and supportive clothing is vital when running or working out, say activewear retailers Luxe Fitness. The right clothing is especially important during the summer when the temperatures are high – you should wear breathable clothing while running, as high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion on the roads.

See and be seen

Luxe Fitness has a simple tip for exercising safely on Australian roads: always try to run facing the traffic. Doing so makes it easier to see, and react to, oncoming cars. If you’re running after dark, they also advise you to take a light so you can see where you’re going and to enable drivers to see you. Make sure you’re sufficiently hydrated and you have enough energy to run. Luxe Fitness says a glass of water and half a banana can give your body the fuel it needs.

Mizuno Australia

Established in Osaka, Japan, Mizuno is a world leader in the manufacture of sports equipment. Household names in a wide variety of sports including Carl Lewis, Ivan Lendl and the New Zealand All Blacks have famously used Mizuno gear. The company’s mission is to contribute to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports.

Choose the right shoes

As running is a weight-bearing exercise involving repetitive movements of the feet, Mizuno emphasises that you need to make sure your running shoes offer the support you need while also being comfortable enough for the terrain and distance you are tackling. Mizuno has developed Wave Plate technology to offer runners the right amount of cushioning and stability in their running shoes. This helps to distribute your weight evenly throughout the sole of the shoe, making them more durable and less susceptible to acute wear.

What to look for

• Make sure your shoes are suitable for the type of running you’re doing. If you’re running a marathon you’ll need to choose a highly cushioned shoe, whereas a lightweight performance shoe will be more suitable for a 5km run.
• Choosing the right size is essential – make sure the width is comfortable and that there is a thumbprint’s space at the top of the shoe. Your feet swell when you run so it’s important to allow for this.
• Ideally, you should go to a speciality running store where the staff can analyse your gait and ensure your shoes are fitted properly.

Bike riding safety

There are many positives to cycling; it’s a great way to exercise and get where you need to go at the same time. Although more and more cycle lanes are being established in the big cities, there are still plenty of moments where you will be sharing the road with other vehicles. Two of Australia’s best-known bike stores offer their advice for cycling safety.

The Bicycle Store

The Bicycle Store has grown to become one of the largest online bicycle retailers in Australia. Offering a wide and varied range of bicycles and cycling accessories, they will do their best to quickly source any product you may be looking for. The company prides itself on providing first-class customer service and after-sales support.

Obey the law – wear a helmet!

A bike helmet is essential, emphasises The Bicycle Store. It is illegal to not wear a helmet while cycling in Australia and with good reason. A helmet can save your life if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, as a head injury can affect your brain. ‘The additional cost should not even be a factor,’ says The Bicycle Store, ‘a helmet must be part of your cycling gear.’

Other bike safety gear

Although not legal requirements, The Bicycle Store recommends cyclists include gloves and glasses in their kit. These items can also contribute to your safety on the road. Gloves not only offer additional protection in an accident, they keep your hands comfortable and warm if you’re cycling in winter. Cycling glasses can help you see better in difficult conditions and protect your eyes from dirt and debris that may fly up from the road.

Park Bikes

Park Bikes is an award-winning independent bike shop in the heart of Sydney Olympic Park, with customers ranging from complete beginners to six World Champions. As an advocate for better cycling in Sydney, Park Bikes also offers coaching and bike maintenance seminars, and all bikes are sold with free tuition for life.

Wear lights even when it’s light

Bike lights are an integral part of cycling safety, and they should be on at all times, say the cycle experts at Park Bikes, not just at night. Cars now come with daytime running lights as standard, and bikes should be no different. This could potentially reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Park Bikes says you should be looking for a true daytime running light with a specific focus, flash and range. ‘Without these three things,’ they say, ‘you just have a light.’

Avoid traffic where possible

Try to avoid busy roads and peak hour traffic, say Park Bikes. Planning your route beforehand is a sensible precaution as it will enable you to ride with more confidence. Don’t overestimate the distance at which you can be seen by car drivers – do everything you can to make sure you’re highly visible.
Enjoy being active on the road!

Staying fit and healthy is highly beneficial and enjoyable as long as you take the right safety precautions. Follow these expert tips to help keep you safe and be seen while on the road.