Cycling is, without a doubt, one of our favorite pastimes, but it can’t always be exciting. When cycling across a variety of terrains, a large number of people, or high traffic, you must factor in some caution. The number of people killed in bicycle accidents has been declining for nearly a century. Yet, recent research reveals that the number of people killed in bicycle accidents is rising. Serious bike accidents are outnumbering all other types of road fatalities. To put it another way, it’s a risky moment to ride a bicycle in the United States.
Cycling has certainly grown in popularity over the last five years, with an increasing number of people taking up the sport.
We’ve all read about its advantages, which range from bettering our energy and stamina to becoming more environmentally conscious and expanding our social connections.
Cycling has been dubbed the “new golf” by some. That doesn’t seem too farfetched. Although, riding with safety always comes first. Many people make mistakes while driving. Here are some safety cycle tips you should know:
Recommendations for a Safe Ride
Riding Cautiously
It’s critical to understand how to react to the moving vehicle as a cyclist. Before you drive in traffic, spend some time learning the rules of the road and obtain some riding experience. Riding in a consistent pattern and understanding how to react to dangers and manage the road network can assist you in having the safest ride possible.
Use a helmet
When riding a bicycle, it is critical to safeguard your entire body, especially your head. Everyone should wear a bicycle helmet on every bicycle ride, despite the distance traveled. Although a helmet cannot ensure your complete survival, it will always give you a greater chance than going bare-headed. Airbags for your bike are another option.
Look for possible dangers
When riding, increase your security by constantly scanning your surroundings for risks that could cause a mishap. Inspect the road for cracks, openings, rough terrain, and debris, and gaze over your shoulder to see what’s next or behind you regularly. When cycling, do not use earphones. To respond fast, you should be able to hear potential risks.
Always:
- Consider what might occur and how you can avert a situation.
- Do what you believe will keep you safe while adhering to the regulations of the road.
Keep an eye out for blind zones
A blind spot is a zone outside of a vehicle that the rider cannot see through the vehicle’s rearview or side mirrors. This involves the region in front of the truck for trucks. When cycling in traffic, it’s critical to maintain vision by avoiding motor vehicle blind areas.
Observe vehicle movement
Keep an eye on other drivers, paying attention to the movement of vehicle wheels, changes in pace, headlights, and the use of indicators that indicate a shift in direction. Maintain eye contact with other road users and ride no longer than necessary alongside a motor vehicle.
Don’t drink and drive
Cycling drunk is just as dangerous as driving while inebriated. Cycling while remaining extra cautious entails a strong level of alertness, and driving while inebriated risks you and other drivers at risk.
Drink and drive is one of the major causes of the accident. If you ever indulge in any road accident, have your peripheral neuropathy treatment too, as a caution.
Using brakes
When you need to stop, use your back brake first, then your front brake to bring your bike to a smooth pause. You could be thrown over the handlebars if you come to an abrupt stop.
Ride At a Normal Speed
Riding at high speeds is not a good idea. You don’t like what you’re seeing. If you need to, reduce speed, specifically on slippery descents or over bumpy roads.
Cycling at speeds faster than you’re used to endangers not only yourself but also those around you. You end up losing grip on your bicycle, and a car behind you may collide with you.
Make use of a bicycle bell
Bike bells are legally required in various countries. If it isn’t, it is still suggested to have a bell because bicycles are typically pretty quiet vehicles. Screaming is the last thing you need to do every time you pass someone. As a result, a bike bell will help tremendously.
Safety Recommendations For Cyclists
- At red lights, come to a complete stop. It’s not a good idea to ride past red lights. You could face a £50 fine.
- On tight roadways, remain in the center. Attempt to keep your bike out of the drain. If the road is too small for vehicles to pass you comfortably, it may be better to ride in the middle lane to avoid potentially deadly crossing.
- Keep a safe distance from parked autos. Keep at least a door’s distance away from the door in case it opens unexpectedly. Also, instead of weaving between parked automobiles, attempt to ride in a straight path past them.
- Keep a safe distance from HGVs. Stand far back behind tractors and other heavy vehicles since they may not be able to see you properly.
- Always keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s going on around you so you can anticipate what other drivers could do.
- Make eye contact with the other person. Maintain eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are aware of your presence.
- Don’t ride your bike on the sidewalk.
- Dress in some bold colors. Wear bright apparel during the day and luminous clothing/accessories at night to stay protected.
- After darkness, use white lights at the front and red lights in the back. If you don’t have them, you could be fined £50.
- Cycling can also help diabetic patients. Along with their diabetic neuropathy treatment as it is a smart option for them to cycle along.
- If your bike was built after 1985, it must have a red rear reflector as well as amber pedal reflectors.
- To signify left or right shift, use the proper hand signals.
- There are no phones or electronic gadgets allowed. Avoid using a cell phone or earbuds.
- Wear a helmet if possible.
- Keep your cycle safe. Follow these guidelines to ensure your bike safety.
Cycling In The Vicinity Of Trams
- In Croydon, cyclists must ride on the road with trams or across tram lines. It’s perfectly safe, however, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Trams are silent, so you might not notice them till they’re right next to you.
- Trams are broader than the rails on which they operate, so make way for them.
- When riding near or crossing railroad lines, be extremely vigilant, particularly if the rails are damp and slick.
- Wherever possible, pass the tracks at a straight angle to avoid your wheel colliding with the gap.
- Maintain a safe gap between you and the tram so that you have enough time to stop.
- Do not attempt to pass a tram.
Conclusion
Cycling is a low-cost, accessible mode of transportation that has a minimal environmental impact and is a fun daily exercise for people of all ages. Cycling has the potential to improve both your physical and emotional health. Pedaling is a low-impact exercise that develops muscle strength while reducing stress on the lower leg. Cycling is very beneficial to cardiovascular fitness, lowering heart attack risk and stroke. Accidents can still happen, both as a natural consequence of cycling and as a result of incidents. Although, following the above-mentioned tips can keep you from cycle accidents and can provide you a safe and secure cycle journey.
