With an increase in bicycle use in recents years so, unfortunately, comes a rise in the number of bike-related injuries and accidents. The idea of cycling in traffic and busy roads is scary although if you follow some useful guidelines you could protect yourself from some of the dangers. If the worst does happen, however, making a bicycle accident claim is a good option for cyclists when accidents occur.
Essential cycling safety guidelines
Wear Safety Gear
Every cyclist should wear safety gear such as a bike helmet and high-viz clothing. Choose a new helmet and one that fits neatly. Always do up the helmet with an under-the-chin fastener.
Wear proper shoes when cycling rather than open toed vrsios, such as sandals or, worse still, flip flops.
During the day and night, cyclists should wear light, bright and highly visible clothing. Reflective details that can be picked up by car lights are the best.
At night, bikes should have lights on the front and rear to enhance their visibility.
Obey Road Rules
Although in many places, people have the right to cycle, this right comes with an array of responsibilities.
Familiarise yourself with applicable traffic laws and cycling rules in your country. The Highway Code is a good place to start.
Obey all traffic signs, light signals and road markings. Use hand signals to notify other road users when you want to stop or make a turn. In addition, be extra careful in accident-prone areas such as junctions.
Cycling responsibly will create a harmonious environment for all road users. If you break the rules of the road it will only aggravate drivers and that can lead to frustration, which can then cause accidents.
Use traffic free lanes
Aim to use cycle lanes and paths wherever possible. You can usually find a list or map of cycle friendly routes in towns and cities. Search on-line.
Practice Defensive Cycling
Defensive cycling involves being aware of what is going on around you on the road, putting yourself in the best possible position for your safety and always expecting the unexpected!
It starts with choosing a bike that suits your physical condition and ensuring that it is roadworthy before starting your journey. Importantly, ascertain that the bike’s brakes, handlebars, seat, lights and reflectors, bell and mudguards are in perfect condition.
Make sure you are aware of your surroundings, watch what is in front and behind you. Look out for road hazards such as parked cars (and people opening their door into the road in front of you), loose grit, glass, drain covers, cracks and potholes in the road and also tram and railway tracks, .
Aim to make eye contact with other road users so that they are aware of your presence and especially when you are at junctions and plan to cross the line of traffic.
Cycling away from the kerb, between half a metre and a metre, rather than hugging the kerb, also makes you easier to see by other road users. It also reduces the risk of a puncture from broken glass, potholes and drain covers.
Avoid listening to music or using your phone when cycling because it can distract you.
It’s great to see more people cycling for their commute, fitness and leisure but it is important that all cyclists know how to avoid accidents and potential injuries. Obey road rules, wear safety gear, and practise defensive cycling and you are good to go.
