Is Unicycling Safe?
Unicycling is one of the safest cycle related sports because of its low speed.
Safety for New Riders
Common sense is the best way to prevent injury. Wear appropriate clothing for outdoor physical activity: sneakers and trousers are highly recommended. Avoid jandals or sandals (they might get caught in the pedals). Protective equipment is not required in New Zealand. Cycle helmets are optional, though some schools and clubs require them. Elbow and knee / shin pads are usually quickly discarded because they seem unnecessary.
The rider is usually only a few centimetres off the ground if properly mounted. A fall means the unicycle hits the ground and the rider is able to take a few quick steps to regain balance, or to quickly grab for a handrail or fence.
Injuries are rare, and of the type usually seen in other active outdoor pursuits like rugby or mountain biking:
- Minor scratches / scrapes to shins or lower legs caused by pedals. Wearing trousers will minimise these.
- Small bruises or leg joint twists from landing at an awkward angle. Watchful instruction and a well chosen learning area with a solid hand rail will reduce these.
If you are supervising a group of learners:
- Choose a hazard free environment that has no dangerous corners or sharp objects that a rider might fall into. Ideal places are halls / gymnasiums, school playgrounds, tennis or netball courts.
- Look for firm ground: hard (concrete or wood) and smooth (with no bumps or pebbles).
- Unicycles should be properly maintained with no sharp or broken fittings.
- Actively coach your learners so they avoid unsafe behaviour and learn more rapidly.
- Have a current first aid certificate.
Intermediate to Advanced Riders
We strongly advise safety equipment when attempting new skills, riding at the edge of your ability, or riding in traffic or with bicycles. We sell a range of safety equipment and use it ourselves.
- Gloves protect hands from sudden falls
- Leg armour reduces scrapes and brusing from pedals
- Loose clothing allows free movement.
- Helmets keep your head happy.
When riding offroad, always wear a helmet. Some bicyclists come past at extreme speeds and may not have time to notice a slow moving unicyclist. Keep left. Dismount and move off the track if it is narrow. Often cyclists will call out "on your right" if they want to pass your right hand side.
Trials and street riders attempt bigger jumps and crazier obstacles. It takes a lot of practice to be a talented lunatic like them. Safety equipment is essential, as is riding within your ability.
Road / distance riders should always wear NZ standards approved cycle helmets on the road. The main hazards are from other road users rather than anything you do yourself. We have found a strong negative correlation between the size of a vehicle exhaust pipe and the intelligence of the driver.
Summary
Unicycling is safer than mountain biking: top speed is about as fast as you can run, and there is no nasty frame or handle bars to get tangled up in. The challenge is more in using technical skill to move across the terrain.
Unicycling is safer than rugby / soccer / hockey: you don't get pummelled by a bunch of sweaty opponents. No sprigs here.
Unicycling is safer than skiiing / snowboarding: you are not strapped in to your equipment. Usually when falling, your unicycle is left behind and you are free to regain your balance.
Each rider chooses their own level of challenge. Practice on smaller obstacles before attempting bigger ones.
Safety is a mindset. Ride hard. Have fun. Do it again tomorrow.
[David: don't copy this]
