Practice Safe Sun this Summer!

Posted on June 19, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Practice Safe Sun this Summer! The heat is on, and summer is shifting into gear. Now that the weather is warm and inviting, people are starting to enjoy their days out in the sun. Whether you’re going fishing, going to the beach, or just enjoying some time on your patio, make sure that you practice sun safety in the coming months.

Practice safe sun this summer! Here are some quick and easy tips on how to best protect yourself from the potentially harmful rays of the sun:

Choose the Right Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, the options you have may be overwhelming. There are dozens of different brands, all with different numbers attached. Once you know what to look for, though, picking out the right protection for you and your family will be much easier.

Get the right SPF: “SPF” stands for Sun Protection Factor – specifically protection against UVB rays. Here’s the simple calculation associated with SPF: the time it takes you to burn without any sunscreen multiplied by the SPF of the sunscreen you use is your new ‘burn time.’ For example, if you normally burn in 10 minutes without protection, wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen will allow you 150 minutes in the sun before you burn. Most professionals recommend using at least an SPF of 30.

Look for extra protection: Having the right SPF is crucial, but it’s not the only thing that you need to look out for when choosing your sunscreen. Make sure that you pick out a brand that boasts UVA (Ultraviolet A) protection as well.

Check for water resistance: No sunscreen can be totally waterproof, but purchasing one with water resistance will help to ensure that your protection doesn’t come off when you sweat or go for a swim.

If you’re still not sure about which sunscreen is right for you, check out this handy 6 question guide from WebMD. Also remember to apply your sunscreen a few minutes before you go out in the sun, and reapply often, following your product’s directions.

Know What to Wear

In addition to applying sunscreen, you need to wear the right clothing when you are exposed to the sun. if possible, don’t leave the house without:

A wide brimmed hat
A cover-up or large t-shirt
Sunglasses

When choosing your cover-up clothing, remember that the best sun protection comes from items that are tightly woven and dark colored. Also try to use sunglasses that cover your entire eye area. The best protection comes from those glasses that cover you from your eyebrows to your cheekbones and from temple to temple.

Examine Your Skin

Everyone needs to help ensure that their skin is healthy. Take advantage of your health insurance with a yearly trip to a primary care physician, and make sure that you also go to see a dermatologist for an annual check-up.

In addition to seeing a dermatologist once a year, you need to perform monthly self-checks on your skin. Know your “ABCDs of moles” and see a dermatologist if you notice that a mole has any one of the following characteristics:

Asymmetrical: Is there a mole that is oddly shaped?
Border: Does a mole have an irregular or undefined border?
Color: Does a mole have uneven coloring, or multiple colors?
Diameter: Is a mole larger than a pencil’s eraser, or is it growing over time?

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we are looking forward to having a little fun in the sun this summer, and we hope that these tips will help you and your loved ones practice sun safety. And remember – if you have any questions about your health insurance coverage, just call 877-550-0025 to speak to one of our insurance experts!

Photo credit: gr33n3gg / Foter.com / CC BY

Plug the Holes in Your Home Insurance Policy

Posted on June 18, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

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In recent years, writing home insurance policies has become a huge expense for insurance providers. In fact, the average payout for a claim nearly doubled between 2002 and 2011. Insurance providers responded in two ways – they increased the amount you pay for home insurance, while also scaling back what a policy covers.

This leaves most homeowners in a pickle. It is now your responsibility to make sure that you and your home are protected from these exclusions. In an effort to help you make sure that you are protected, here is a list of some of the most common places that insurance providers have scaled back coverage:

Water Damage Coverage

Home insurance policies used to cover all kinds of water-related damages. Now, though, you may be surprised at what’s not covered. In fact, most insurance providers will only provide a payout if you can prove that a leak is less than 14 days old. This means that if you had a pipe leaking behind a wall for more than 2 weeks, you could be footing the repair bill yourself!

There are a few ways that you can help avoid this situation. First, try to catch a leak as soon as it occurs. Place a water alarm in places that leaks arise – under sinks and next to washers and water heaters. Also, speak to an insurance agent about adding protection to your home insurance for drain and sewer backups. This will add a bit to your premium, but the added protection is worth the cost.

Flood Damages

You may know that flood coverage is no longer a part of your home insurance policy. In order to protect your home against flood damage, you need to make sure that you have a flood insurance policy. These are supplied through the National Flood Insurance Program.

If you live in a flood zone, this protection is highly encouraged. You don’t want to foot the bill if your home is damaged by a flood, so make sure that you have the right protection before it’s too late.

Payments for Repairs

Insurance providers used to guarantee that they would completely cover damage to your home. Nowadays, there are a lot more exclusions in the process, not to mention the red tape you’ll have to work through.

If you want to ensure that you are better protected, inquire into purchasing extended replacement coverage for your home insurance. This protection will kick in and help pay unforeseen costs in case you need them. A similar policy (replacement-cost coverage) is available for your possessions.

Rebuilding Costs

Insurance policies like home insurance are built upon repairing or replacing the home that you had. Therein lies a problem, however – if your home is destroyed, you will need to rebuild your home with current building codes in mind. This is sometimes more expensive than simply replacing your old home, and you could end up paying for those added costs.

To help offset the expenses of keeping older buildings up to code, make sure that you take out a little extra coverage. The added protection will come in handy if you ever need to replace a structure according to current standards. You can sometimes also add “Ordinance and Law” coverage to help offset these types of expenses.

Do you have any more questions about what exclusions may plague your home insurance policy? If so, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance at 877-550-0025, and ask one of our insurance experts to review your home insurance policy. We will help uncover any holes you may have, and can help you ensure that you are fully covered.

What to Bring on Your Bike Ride

Posted on June 13, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

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When you’re preparing to take a bicycle ride, no matter where or how far you plan to go, you need to make sure that you have a few key items with you. A few may be common sense, but there are others that may not be as straightforward.

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we want to make sure that you are always safe, so make sure that you are prepared the next time you go out for a spin by considering this list of items:

Necessities and Must-Haves

Water – This one should be a no-brainer. You need to have water with you when you exercise, and bicycling is no exception. If your bike doesn’t have a place to keep a water bottle, there are many options that you can install yourself.

Safety Gear – You should always wear a helmet when you ride. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, especially if you’re going to be biking at night.

Identification – In case of emergency, it’s always a good idea to bring identification with you on your trips. If you don’t want to bring your driver’s license, consider investing in an identification bracelet.

Cell Phone – This is another must-have in case of an emergency. If something happens to you or your bike, you’ll need a way to contact someone for help. You may also want to bring along some cash or a credit card. Make sure that you have at least enough money to pay for a taxi ride back home.

Optional but Helpful Items

Snacks – If you’re planning on biking for more than an hour or two, you should think about bringing along a little bit of food. Make sure that you reach for something healthy and nourishing, like a protein bar or trail mix.

Bike Lock – Are you planning to stop anywhere during your ride? If so, you should bring along a bike lock. This will help to ensure that your bike will be waiting for you upon your return.

First Aid – Cuts and scrapes happen to even the most experienced of riders. You can ease the pain by bringing along a small first aid kit. Consider including some antiseptic wipes and bandages, and a couple of aspirin in case you start to get a headache. Also think about bringing a first aid kit for your bike! An air pump and a couple of hex keys may come in handy if you ever need a quick fix in the middle of a ride.

Sun Protection – For most people, it’s a reflex to grab a pair of sunglasses as they walk out the door. While this is a good practice for bike riders, it’s not enough to protect you from the sun. in addition to your sunglasses, make sure that you also put on sunscreen before you leave, and reapply according to the directions on the package.

Bag or Basket – If you’re thinking about bringing all the necessary and optional items listed above, you may need a way to carry them all! A bike bag or basket will help you store your ID and phone, as well as your snacks, first aid kit, and extra sunscreen.

New or Coming Soon – Innovations

Barbumps – If you find your hands uncomfortable or achy after a bike ride, your handlebars may be to blame. This Kickstarter is all about making handlebars more comfy and relieving the pressure that many cyclists experience.

Statement Bike Rack – After a successful Kickstarter campaign, this elegant and functional bike rack will soon be available to consumers. A bike rack is a great way to store your bike while it isn’t in use. It even helps to make sure that your bike stays off your garage’s floor and out of harm’s way – and this one does it in style!

Silva Cycle Atom – Have you ever wished that you could convert your energy into power? Look no further! With this device, you can charge a battery pack, light, or even your cell phone!

And remember, if you have any questions about bicycles or cycling, call our friend Ashmont Cycles at 617-282-6552, and stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency Facebook page to learn more about how you could win a “Street Cruiser” bike from Ashmont Cycles!

Getting Married?- Insure Your New Bling!

Posted on June 11, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Wedding Jewelery Insurance.jpg Did you know that the month of June is named after Juno – the Roman goddess of marriage? In ancient times, June was a popular month to wed, and it is still among the most popular months for a wedding. If you’re planning on getting married this June (or anytime this summer), we know that you’ve got a lot on your plate. The agents here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance would like to wish you congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and we want to help ensure that you are protected on your wedding day.

Hopefully, you’ve already protected your ‘big day’ with a wedding insurance policy. This policy will help you to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that you’re covered if anything goes wrong. If you don’t have this policy yet, there’s no need to worry – just call us to get a wedding insurance quote!

There’s one more insurance policy that you should consider as you put the finishing touches on your nuptials: jewelry insurance. Adding a jewelry policy to your insurance repertoire will ensure that both of your wedding rings and your engagement ring are fully protected.

Let us explain the two main reasons why your jewelry needs its own separate policy:

Be Covered in More Situations

Some people may tell you that your jewelry is protected under an insurance policy that you already have. It’s true – your jewelry is probably partially covered under your renters or home insurance policy. While this protection will cover you in some cases, it by no means offers full protection.

For example, a home insurance policy will probably only cover your jewelry in a few specific cases. If your rings are lost or damaged in a way not outlined in your home insurance policy, you’ll be out of luck (and left to replace your bands without an insurance payout).

On the other hand, a dedicated jewelry insurance policy will offer your jewelry more comprehensive protection against loss or damage.

Insure the Full Value of your Jewelry

Your home or renters insurance policy is a great way to cover most of your possessions, but there is typically a limit on the amount of jewelry it covers. This limit can be as low as a couple hundred dollars, depending on your policy!

With engagement rings alone potentially costing thousands of dollars, you need to make sure that they are insured for their full value. This means that they need their own separate insurance coverage.

These two factors also apply to many other valuables that you may have. Collections such as coins or stamps, china and silverware, fine art, and furs are just some of the items that can be insured with separate policies. They will gain the same benefits (added coverage and additional value coverage) listed above.

So if you are getting married in the next few months, and are interested in adding jewelry coverage to your current insurance policies, all you need to do is call 877-550-0025. A Vargas and Vargas Insurance representative will collect some information about your rings, and provide you with a quote. And don’t wait to do this until after your ceremony – make sure that your jewelry is completely covered on your wedding day, as well as on your honeymoon!

Photo credit: Lady B2008 / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Now is the Time for Home Ownership

Posted on June 6, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Now is the Time for Home Ownership There seems to be a lot of debate nowadays about home ownership. It used to be the American Dream. Now it seems that the younger generation is content with renting, and that home ownership is out of the question for them.

While there are solid reasons why younger people would choose to rent for the time being, there are enormous benefits to home ownership that are impossible to deny.

Why do people put off buying their first home?

It’s easy to see why people would be skittish about buying a home nowadays. One of the biggest reasons why people are nervous to own real estate is the recent housing bubble (and its subsequent burst).

In addition to that, younger people have many considerations when deciding if home ownership is the right course. These include:

The rising burden of student loan debt: It’s getting harder and harder to pay off student loans. Those people that would normally consider first time home ownership are strapped for cash because they’re already struggling to pay off their school loans. This may make a down payment and monthly mortgage payments seem out of reach to some.
The need to be flexible and mobile when switching jobs: The job market has recently been tough, but it’s easier to find a job if you can be flexible about its location. Restricting your job search to only locations within driving distance of a home severely limits opportunities.
The perks that come with renting: There’s no doubt about it – there’s something to be said for the ease of renting. If something is damaged or broken, it’s typically the landlord’s duty to fix. Sure, renters still need a renter’s insurance policy to cover their belongings, but the actual structure of the home or apartment being rented is the landlord’s responsibility.

What are the benefits of home ownership?

Despite all the reasons listed above, there are some immense benefits to owning a home. Take, for instance, these points:

A home is an investment for the future: When you rent, the money that you pay out every month is essentially money down the drain. This is not the case with money spent on a mortgage. If you own a home, it typically increases in value, and becomes a financial asset and a long term investment for you and your family.
Home ownership provides stability: If you rent, your monthly payment is at the mercy of your landlord. Once your lease is up, the rent typically rises. Then you have two choices – pay up, or move. If you own a home with a fixed rate mortgage, however, you will typically have the same payment for up to 30 years.
Owning a home gives you freedom: When you own a home, it’s your property. You don’t need to ask anyone’s permission to paint a wall, install a light, or make any changes. For avid DIY-ers, this autonomy is priceless.

Why is now the perfect time to buy?

If you’re thinking about looking into buying your first home, now is a great time to get in the game! There are many factors that benefit people looking to buy a home:

Mortgage rates are near historic lows
Home prices are lower than they have been in many years
Both home prices and mortgage rates are likely to rise in the near future

And remember, if you’re buying a home, make sure that you get it the protection that it deserves. Call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency today to talk to a home insurance expert. You can reach us at 877-550-0025.

Photo credit: Images_of_Money / Foter.com / CC BY

Hurricane Season Is Here – Are You Prepared?

Posted on June 4, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Hurricane Season 2013.jpg The 2012 hurricane season set records. There were a total of 19 tropical systems recorded in the Atlantic – the third most in recorded history. Nine of the nineteen storms became full blown hurricanes. One of these storms was the second most catastrophic hurricane on record: Hurricane Sandy.

The 2013 hurricane season runs from June 1st until November 30th. Weather Services International issued their predictions for the season in April, and they are expecting 16 named storms and 9 hurricanes, with 5 intense hurricanes.

The chance that a hurricane will hit the northeastern US is typically low, but it seems like it is becoming increasingly common for a storm to come this way. Knowing that another storm may threaten this area in the coming months, here are some questions that you should consider:

What will my Home Insurance cover?

If a hurricane or tropical storm hits your home, you need to make sure that you are fully protected against the damage that it could cause. A typical Massachusetts home insurance policy will offer you partial protection, including coverage for:

Water Damage: Heavy rain will sometimes come through a leaky roof and cause damage in your home. This should be covered.
Intense Winds: Falling trees and flying debris are part of the peril associated with a hurricane. These are typically automatically covered with a home insurance policy.
Hail: A typical home insurance policy will often cover roof repairs due to hail stone damage.
Loss of Use: If your home is severely damaged and you are forced to evacuate due to the severity of the repairs needed, your home insurance will likely cover your temporary living arrangements.

Please note – this is the typical coverage associated with a home insurance policy. Your policy’s details may differ slightly. In order to make sure that you have this coverage, double check your protection with your insurance agent.

What extra protection do I need?

As noted above, a home insurance policy typically includes coverage for water damage. This does not include coverage for rising waters. This means that without a flood insurance policy, you are vulnerable to one of the most expensive types of damage caused by hurricanes.

Take this example, for instance: when hurricane Sandy flooded the east coast last year, the average losses reported were over $40,000. You could be responsible for those repairs if you don’t have adequate insurance coverage.

Why do I need to act now?

If you don’t currently have a flood insurance policy, you need to speak to your insurance agent right away about adding this protection to your insurance portfolio. Did you know that a flood insurance policy doesn’t take effect until 30 days after its date of purchase. This means that waiting until the last minute to inquire about this policy will do you no good – you need to purchase it as soon as possible to ensure that it goes into effect sooner rather than later.

So don’t wait any longer! Call 877-550-0025 now to speak to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency representative about protecting yourself in the 2013 hurricane season. We can review your home insurance coverage and give you a free, no obligation quote on a flood insurance policy.

Photo credit: NASA Goddard Photo and Video / Foter.com / CC BY

Bicycles Provide Major Benefits

Posted on May 30, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

As you know, Vargas and Vargas Insurance will be raffling off a “Street Cruiser” bicycle from Ashmont Cycles very soon. We’ve already shared with you some bike safety tips in our blog “Gear Up for Bicycle Safety”. We will be talking about bicycle gear is a soon to be published blog. Bicycles provide major benefits. In this blog, we want to focus on the benefits you can gain by using your bicycle.

Cycling is Good for Your Health

The first benefit is probably the most obvious: getting in the habit of using your bicycle can be a great form of exercise. Routine bike rides can provide copious health benefits, such as:

Increased metabolism
Improved cardiovascular health
Strengthened mental health
Decreased stress levels
Bolstered immune system
Enhanced stamina
Improved longevity
Toned and defined muscles

And if these health benefits aren’t enough, consider the calories burned: in an hour of cycling, you will burn 300 calories on average. This means that if you get in the habit of taking a 30 minute bike ride every day, you can lose 11 pounds in a year!

Remember, though, that you should always consult with your doctor before you start an exercise regimen. It is more than likely that regular bicycle rides will provide a great benefit to your health, but you should always check with a licensed professional first.

Bicycles Benefit the Environment

If you are a regular on this blog, you may remember an article posted at the end of April titled “Are You Green Enough?” in which we explained many ways that you can help the environment. One of these was to use alternative transportation when travelling.

Riding a bicycle is an excellent example of alternative transportation. Forgoing the use of a car provides many environmental benefits, such as the fact that you don’t need to use gasoline or electricity. This means that biking reduces both air and water pollution. In fact, cycling creates no pollution at all!

Bicycles also reduce road wear – as you know, a bicycle weighs a lot less than a car, and therefore puts a lot less pressure on roads and sidewalks. This means that for every trip taken on a bike instead of in a car, taxpayers are paying less for road refurbishments.

In addition, you can fit over a dozen bicycles in the same space as a single car, thus helping with the current parking problem. Also, studies have shown that cycling can save you time in rush hour – instead of sitting in traffic, cruise by all those motorists on your bike!

Biking Increases Your Safety

There is one more huge benefit to jumping on your bike instead of into your car: you’ll be safer! One study from University College London states that young males age 17 to 20 who drove were at a five times greater risk than those who rode a bicycle.

If you cycle with the right protective gear, you can help yourself avoid potential injury. And while you can never fully protect yourself against the occasional cut or scrape, you will be at less of a risk for serious injury if you opt to use a bicycle instead of a motor vehicle.

If you need to take a longer trip and opt to use your car, remember to watch out for cyclists. These ten rules may help you to coexist and share the road with bikers.

Also, remember to stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Facebook page to learn more about our bike giveaway!

Photo credit: melgupta / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Top 5 Insurance Agencies in Dorchester

Posted on May 28, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Top 5 Insurance Agencies in Dorchester Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we have the opportunity to meet a lot of people in our wonderful community. If you like our Vargas and Vargas Insurance Facebook page, you can easily see that we are out and about in the Dorchester area all the time. We visit local businesses and attractions, attend and sponsor community events, and much more!

One of our favorite things to do around Dorchester is to meet local business owners, and this includes other independent insurance agents! Today, we would like to celebrate the wonderful insurance community we have in our area by presenting some of the best independent insurance providers in this area:

Walter Delaney Insurance Agency

This agency focuses on offering its clients personal and individual service. They employ only experienced professionals, and they won’t rest until your problems are solved. This agency has been proudly serving the Dorchester, MA area for over 50 years!

Ann M Foley Insurance Agency

Established in 1979, the Ann M Foley Insurance Agency specializes in home and auto insurance. They can offer you a free quote, and they even guarantee your satisfaction! They are a great option if you need home or car insurance at a reasonable rate.

Tran Insurance Agency

Located on Dorchester Avenue, Tran Insurance Agency is committed to providing its customers with top of the line service. It has been servicing the Dorchester area for many years, and ensures that its clients are equipped with quality insurance policies.

Savin Jones Insurance Agency & Saraf Insurance Agency

These sister agencies were founded in 1996 with the goal of offering Dorchester residents innovative insurance solutions. They operate under the belief that buying insurance should be a fast, easy, and efficient process.

Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency

Don’t forget about your favorite local insurance provider! As said earlier, the Vargas and Vargas Insurance staff has been a linchpin in the Dorchester area for many years, and we focus ourselves on community enrichment, as well as providing our customers with quality insurance.

So, now you know! If you are looking for an insurance quote (for either personal or business insurance), you have lots of options in our area. Any and all of these agencies would be more than happy to help you find the right policy for you.

And remember, purchasing from an independent insurance agency has serious benefits! If you want to find out more about the benefits of purchasing policies through an independent insurance agent, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance at 877-550-0025!

Photo credit: StockMonkeys.com / Foter.com / CC BY

How Do You Celebrate Memorial Day?

Posted on May 24, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

On the last Monday of May each year, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering and honoring those military personnel that have given their lives in the service of our country. The holiday’s origin dates back to 1868, just after the Civil War, where soldiers were remembered on Declaration Day. The first large observance of this holiday was at Arlington National Cemetery. The holiday’s name was officially changed to ‘Memorial Day’ in 1967, and the holiday is observed by the US Government and most US businesses.

There are many traditional ways to observe Memorial Day. One of the most well-known is displaying the US Flag. On Memorial Day, it is customary to raise the flag fully before then lowering it to half mast. At noon, the flag is raised to its full height once more. According to The Memorial Day Wikipedia Article, “The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living; who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.” It is also a tradition to adorn the graves of deceased military members with American Flags or flowers.

Another popular celebration in honor of late military personnel is the Memorial Day Parade. This event traditionally features marching bands and service men and women. If you’re interested in attending your community’s Memorial Day Parade, check out the list of events on bostoncentral.com.

Some military museums also offer families a great opportunity to spend the long weekend learning about our great country. For example, the USS Constitution Museum is having their annual Memorial Day Family Weekend. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating the holiday by offering free admission for the full long weekend.

In Washington DC, they celebrate with an annual Memorial Day Concert, live from the lawn of the Capitol Building. This year’s event will take place at 8pm on Sunday May 26th, and will be available to watch on PBS nationwide.

Even if you choose to spend your long weekend at a barbecue, make a point to spend at least a little bit of your time contemplating the meaning of the holiday – all those brave service-people who lost their lives in service to our country.

Photo credit: jnn1776 / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Gear Up For Bicycle Safety

Posted on May 22, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Gear Up For Bicycle Safety Now that the weather has finally warmed up, it’s time to take advantage of our beautiful community! One great way to experience nature and get some exercise is to break out your bicycle. You can ride around your neighborhood, take a trip to a local park, or even get in the habit of taking your bike to work.

No matter where you decide to go, make sure that you gear up for bicycle safety.

Wear The Right Safety Gear

The first rule of bike safety is always the same – never ride your bike without the proper safety gear. Don’t leave home without these pieces of equipment:

Your helmet.
Bright or reflective clothing.
A bike bell and front and rear bike lights.
Gloves and sunglasses.
A cell phone (preferably one with GPS).
Identification and some money for emergencies.

If you ensure that you have all these things with you when you use your bicycle, you will reduce your risk of injury, and you will be ready for any situation that may present itself.

Make Sure That Your Route Is ‘Bike-able’

When you consider taking a ride, you should first ask yourself these four questions to assess the safety of your intended path:

Is there room for you to bike? A path, sidewalk, bicycle lane, or wide road shoulder provides bicyclists a safe place to ride.
How is the condition of the road? A road with an uneven surface, excessive potholes, debris, rumble strips, or broken pavement can be an unsafe place to take a bicycle.
Is it easy to use your bike? Routes that have lots of hills, or where you ride by unleashed dogs or unsupervised children can be dangerous.
Is your destination bike friendly? Only bike somewhere if there is a safe place to leave your bike when you arrive. Also, make sure that there is an easy way to get yourself and your bike home if there is an emergency or you cannot ride, such as a bike-friendly bus or train.

If your route passes these 4 tests, then it is a good route to take. If not, you may want to consider a different path, or a different mode of transportation.

Keep Your Bike Properly Maintained

Also make sure that you occasionally check your bicycle to make sure that it is safe to ride. Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do:

Check that your seat, handlebars, and wheels aren’t loose.
Regularly check your chain and oil.
Test your brakes to make sure that they work properly and don’t stick.
Examine your tires to make sure that their pressure is at the recommended level.

If you have any questions about bike safety or maintenance, remember to call or drop in on our friends over at Ashmont Cycles in Dorchester. They can answer all of your bike-related questions!

And remember, Vargas and Vargas Insurance will be raffling off a “Street Cruiser” bike from Ashmont Cycles at the opening of the Dorchester Farmer’s Markey on Friday, June 21st, so don’t miss out! Stay tuned to the Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency Facebook Page for more information.

Photo credit: Michael Bentley / Foter.com / CC BY

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