Road Biking in Jacksonville

Road Biking Definition

Road Biking is a form of cycling where a person either rides alone or with a group for extended distances. Road biking can be on roads or paved surfaces for enjoyment, racing, or exercise. Road biking is one of the most widespread forms of biking worldwide. In Northeast Florida, it is popular because the weather is suitable almost all year round.

There are many types of bicycles. Technically, you can use any bike for road biking. Still, most cyclists will utilize a lightweight bike with a narrow tire/frame. This is to reduce drag and friction. Depending on the level or price of a road bike, it will also have varying gear levels.

Is Road Biking Hard?

Road biking is not a challenging sport or exercise to pick up. You just need to be familiar with biking in general. A noted difference is that a person wears specific shoes to help hold their feet onto the pedals. This allows for both a push and pull of the pedals as they go around to maximize their efforts. Also, road bikes require more of a forward trunk position versus a standard cruising bike.

3 people riding standard cruising bike differently than they would ride with road biking Road Biking in Jacksonville Florida

Factors & Benefits of Road Biking

When deciding what routes to take on your road bike, you should consider a few things beforehand. These considerations include:

Does the road has a bike path?
How much traffic is on the road?
Are you going early or late in the day?
- it may not be as bright out
- look for roads that have street lights

These factors will increase your safety during your ride. Many riders enjoy road biking the route down A1A due to its scenery. Enjoy the outdoors. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Stay hydrated.

Benefits of road biking include:

Promotes healthy weight management
Burns calories
Improves joint mobility
Increases balance
Improves stamina and endurance
Heart-healthy cardio
Low impact workout

Common Road Biking Injuries

Crashing is the cause of most serious injuries, whether it be a solo crash, collide with another cyclist, or, worst, hitting with a vehicle. Collisions can cause broken bones, concussions, abrasions on the skin, or even death.

Low back pain– Due to the forward-leaning posture, a person can cause strain on the muscles in the lumbar region and stress the vertebrae/disk themselves.
Neck pain– This injury can also be attributed to the posture being held during longer rides.
Patella-Femoral pain- Repetitive movement of the patella (knee cap) up and down the femur and tibia can cause pain and irritation under the knee cap.
Wrist pain– The wrist can be stressed, and tendinitis can form when too much pressure is asserted through the arm/hands.

Need to keep learning about low back pain? Check out this ARTICLE.

Preventing Injuries When Road Biking

Road Biking Injuries Can Be Prevented

Preventing or reducing the risks for collisions begins with being aware of your surroundings. It is also suggested to wear reflective clothing and have proper reflectors on the bike (front and back). Be sure to

Wear a helmet
Obey traffic laws
Stay alert

To reduce possible injury to the low back or neck, it is important to strengthen postural/posterior muscle groups. This will support the spine as these muscles will be stressed during your ride. It is also essential to have an appropriately sized bike.

The risk of knee injury can be reduced by proper seat height. This ensures that the knee does not straighten or flex too much when completing revolutions when peddling. Proper hip and quadriceps strengthening exercises (not cycling) would be beneficial to promote knee stability.

Need more road biking safety tips? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) website, Bike Safety. To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.

If you have pain or an injury due to Road Biking, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. To schedule an appointment, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.

Instagram – @jaxortho
Facebook – @jaxorthoinsitute
Twitter – @jaxorthopaedic
YouTube – @joijacksonville