These apps mean taking your cell phone with your on your ride is becoming a must. Cell phones aren't the distractions they once were to cyclists, now they're full of features that could make your next ride a safer one. Here are our top 6 ways a cell phone could improve your next ride.

Your smartphone can bring traffic detection to you
 

New apps designed for cyclists show real-time data for traffic within towns and out in the country. That means you can avoid dangerous traffic jams where being in close quarters to frustrated drivers can be hazardous for cyclists. Using a bar mounted holder you can keep up-to-date on areas to avoid without having to constantly stop and check your route.

Your Smartphone can keep you entertained
 

During your rest periods, a smartphone provides an additional feature -- it entertains you! You can play dozens of app games right from the same unit that keeps track of your speed, location, and heart rate. In fact, winding down with fun video games can increase the serotonin levels within your brain giving you more energy. For maximum enjoyment, we like to play Royal Vegas games. They give you adrenaline and serotonin and are easy to play from your cell phone. Lots of cyclists love playing gambling games during their rest periods, it's a simple to use app, they have hundreds of popular Royal Vegas mobile games to play, and the boost from winning keeps them powered up for the ride back home.

Your smartphone can keep an eye out for you

Common tracking programs not only track where you go, but can measure how fast and how well.  Downloading one of the many programs that monitor your route, your speed, and your breathing will give you important data to use to improve your overall ride. Do you struggle in an urban area or on hills? Is there one route where you seem to breeze through? All these can be answered by downloading tracking programs on your phone allowing you to tailor your workout to your goals.

Your smartphone can use GPS to get you home

Have nowhere in mind for your next bike ride? With GPS, you can be sure you won't get lost when venturing further from home or cycling on vacation. Always knowing where you are, are going and have been is key for cyclists to get out and enjoy their next ride into unfamiliar areas. From nature trails to a new bike route by having a GPS you can rest easy knowing, you'll always be able to find your way.

Your smartphone can watch out for the worst

There's nothing that will ruin a good ride faster than unpleasant people. However, if those people turn violent it always is handy to have a recording device nearby to protect yourself against aggression. Be it hecklers, rude drivers, or rough pedestrians, recording their behavior protects you from being blamed should something go wrong. A bar mounted phone can quickly turn into your best friend if an accident or harassment happens.

Your Smartphone can find you a new way

Bored of your old route? Need to change something in your life? Why not find a new trail. New apps designed to find awesome undiscovered trails near you are plentiful. Choose a new route and enjoy yourself knowing another new adventure is just a tap away.

You smartphone can keep you in check

Every cyclist knows that obeying the laws of the road is a critical part of responsible biking. Use a bar mounted smartphone to display an app that shows your speed so you don't accidently go over the speed limit. It's a crucial app, notably so if your route has areas with low-speed limits where it might be easy to exceed. It will also provide a good defense if you're accused of breaking speed laws.

No matter how you look at it, using a phone while you are biking is a must! It not only keeps you safe on your route, but it can optimize your performance, protect you in an accident, and keep you entertained during your breaks, what's not to love?