Cycling on Aspirin: Is It Safe and What Precautions Help?

Cycling is generally safe while taking aspirin, but you should be aware of increased bleeding risks, especially with crashes or cuts, and take simple steps to reduce stomach and injury-related bleeding. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an NSAID that can raise the chance of stomach bleeding and may prolong bleeding from wounds. ^{[1] [2]} This risk is higher if you are older, have had ulcers, drink alcohol heavily, or use other blood thinners or NSAIDs. ^{[3] [4]}

---

How Aspirin Affects Cycling Safety

• Bleeding tendency: Aspirin can make bleeding from falls, road rash, or cuts last longer because it affects platelets (cells that help blood clot). ^[1]
• Stomach risk with exertion: Hard workouts don’t directly increase aspirin-induced stomach bleeding, but dehydration, alcohol use, and combining other NSAIDs can raise risk. ^{[2] [5]}
• Head injury considerations: Any head impact is more concerning on medicines that increase bleeding, including aspirin, because of a potential risk of bleeding in the brain after trauma. ^{[6] [7]}

---

Essential Precautions for Cyclists on Aspirin

• Wear a well-fitted helmet and avoid risky terrain. This reduces head injury risk, which is more serious when bleeding risk is elevated. ^[6]
• Protect your stomach: Avoid taking other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) with aspirin unless a clinician advised it, and limit alcohol because these combinations increase stomach bleeding. ^{[1] [3]}
• Hydrate and fuel: Dehydration and empty-stomach riding can worsen stomach irritation; take aspirin with food or a full glass of water unless told otherwise. ^[8]
• Check your other medicines: Using blood thinners or steroids alongside aspirin can raise bleeding risk; coordinate with your clinician or pharmacist. ^{[2] [9]}
• Carry a small first-aid kit: Include sterile gauze and clean cloths; apply firm pressure longer than usual if you get a cut because bleeding may take more time to stop. ^[10]
• Know when to seek care after a crash: If you hit your head, do not remove your helmet, monitor breathing and alertness, and seek medical evaluation especially if on aspirin due to potential internal bleeding risk. ^{[10] [6]}
• Avoid high alcohol intake on riding days: Three or more daily drinks while using aspirin increases bleeding risk. ^{[3] [2]}

---

What To Do If You Have a Fall or Cut

• Stop bleeding: Apply firm, continuous pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth; expect it may take longer for bleeding to slow on aspirin. ^[10]
• Head impact: Keep the person still with head slightly elevated, don’t remove the helmet, and monitor for changes in alertness or breathing; seek medical care. ^[10]
• Watch for warning signs: Severe or persistent headache, confusion, vomiting, or drowsiness after a head impact should prompt urgent evaluation. ^[6]

---

Who Should Be Extra Cautious

• Age 60+ or prior ulcer/bleeding: Higher stomach bleeding risk on aspirin. Consider added protective strategies and discuss with your clinician. ^{[3] [2]}
• Using other blood thinners or steroids: Combined effects raise bleeding risk; avoid unnecessary NSAIDs and coordinate medication timing. ^{[1] [4]}
• Frequent crash risk (e.g., downhill, urban traffic): Consider route choices and protective gear to offset higher bleeding risk. ^[6]

---

Practical Riding Tips

• Plan safer routes: Favor bike paths, lower traffic roads, and smoother surfaces to lessen crash likelihood. ^[6]
• Warm up and maintain your bike: Reduce fall risk with good maintenance (brakes, tires) and controlled riding. ^[6]
• Time your dose: If aspirin upsets your stomach, taking it with food before riding can help minimize irritation. ^[8]
• Avoid stacking NSAIDs: Don’t add ibuprofen or naproxen for post-ride soreness unless your clinician advises; try ice, gentle stretching, or acetaminophen if appropriate. ^{[1] [2]}

---

When to Call a Clinician

• Black stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain can suggest stomach bleeding and need prompt medical attention. ^[8]
• Any significant head injury while on aspirin warrants medical assessment due to bleeding risk. ^[6]
• Before starting daily aspirin for prevention, especially if you’re 60 or older without heart disease, discuss benefits vs. bleeding risks with your clinician. ^[5]

---

Bottom Line

Cycling while taking aspirin is usually safe for many people, but you should prioritize crash prevention, protect your stomach, avoid combining other NSAIDs or heavy alcohol, and seek care for head impacts or signs of bleeding. ^{[3] [2]} With smart precautions, you can keep riding confidently while minimizing aspirin-related risks. ^{[1] [8]}