Safety Tips of Cycling
For decades, cycling has served as a means of transport as well as a pastime activity to many individuals. However, it has also recorded high number of deaths across the world, prompting most countries to develop traffic laws guiding cyclists. There are a number of measures that you as a cyclist can take to reduce the chances of being hit by a car. The following are some of the basic ones.
Familiarize with traffic laws — various countries or states have different traffic and cycling laws. It is important to first learn what the law dictates about cyclists before hitting the pedals. Motorists will most likely respect your place as a cyclist if you are riding in accordance to the traffic laws.
Keep to the far right — while riding, it is best to ensure that you keep to the far edge of the road as much as possible. Avoid riding against oncoming traffic as this may lead to accidents. However, where your speed matches that of other traffic, it is advisable to join in the traffic. This ensures that other road users can clearly see you In narrow sections of the road, it is also advisable to join in the flow of other traffic to ensure you are clearly visible.
Use hand signals — the gravest mistake most cyclists make is to assume the importance of simple hand signals. Using hand signals informs drivers and other bicyclists of where you are about to go and enables them make calculated decisions. This is very necessary especially while you are shifting lanes.
Ensure you have a headlight — riding at night can be a tricky affair especially when you don’t have your headlights on You should also make sure that the rear reflectors are working properly. The first thing that a driver spots at night is the glare of the reflectors or the headlight. If you ride without the headlights or reflectors, it might be too late for a motorist to have sighted your presence on the road to make a decision.
Be keen — it is always good to be alert and aware of the general surrounding. It is necessary to know what is ahead or behind you, or even beside you You may be riding on the far right when suddenly the motorist alongside you decides to pull over. In this case, yelling or braking may come to your aid. Also, watch out for parked cars. Most people open doors without looking.
Helmet — most countries require that bicyclists wear helmets for their own protection. Helmets are important since they prevent head injuries in case of a fall.