Written by Dohne Damons
As part of Kaya 959’s series of safety tips during transport month, we’re including road cyclists’ safety tips.
Abiding by the rules of the road is important. Cyclists should be aware of their visual and audible surroundings. This is paramount to the decisions a cyclist can make to avoid problems on the road.
It is well-known that wearing a helmet is one of the best safety decisions you can make before getting onto your bicycle.
Arrive Alive offers the following advice on helmet safety:
- Always wear cycle helmets to prevent head injuries. Head injuries cause a high percentage of all cycling deaths – much of which can be prevented by wearing a helmet.
- Replace any damaged helmets for maximum protection. Helmets must fit properly to be safe. When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet should not move forward, backward, or come off. It should sit level on the head and extend down to about two fingers (3 cm) above the eyebrows. Chin straps should be snug without pinching, and the front and rear straps should meet just below each ear when tightly adjusted.
- Helmets only work once. If a helmet has been in a collision that required the inner lining to absorb shock, buy another one! Even though the damage may not be visible, the shock-absorbing qualities may be deadened.
More on protective gear:
- Wear eyewear to protect eyes from dirt, wind and bugs.
- Wear reflective and fluorescent clothing suitable for the weather and time of day that will help other road users to see you.
Things to do and avoid in traffic:
- Obey the rules of the road and know what each traffic sign means – Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
- Watch out for surface conditions like potholes and debris.
- Never ride your bike through puddles, there may be hazards hidden beneath the water that you can’t see
- Allow ample time to inform vehicles behind of your intention to turn either left or right with hand signals.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars unless signalling
- Be very cautious at blind spots- think ahead before you react.
- At bends and corners of junctions, do not try to speed past a lorry or long vehicle when turning, the driver may not have seen the cyclist approaching at the near side. It can be very dangerous.
- Avoid swerving left and right on the road, and ride in a straight line.
- Avoid speeding behind a moving vehicle, if it brakes sharply there could be a collision.
Cyclists and Pedestrians:
- Pedestrians should be given priority at all times, remember that some of them may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence.
Vehicles and Cyclists:
- Make space for cyclists
- Stay Wider than the rider
Read Next: How to keep little ones safe on the roads
