Ride in an appropriate gear. Gear down when approaching stop signs and uncontrolled intersections so you have the power to move quickly if needed. Don't ride in a gear so high it leads to muscle strain or joint injuries. “Spinning”—staying in low gears— will make it easier to ride for a longer period of time without injury.

When riding up hills, gear down before you have to. Gears can jam if there's too much strain on them before you shift, and your bike is more difficult to control if you have to pedal too hard going up hills.