Bicycle safety is important for everybody to be aware of, both the biker and the surrounding traffic. One collision can cause a domino effect and hurt other drivers on the road. So it’s best to know how to share the road safely with cars if you are planning on bicycling in busy areas. Use a bike lane whenever possible and choose the time of day wisely. Be as visible as you can be with your bike equipment and clothing. Be alert at all times and be prepared to react to other traffic around you. And finally, for your own personal safety, always wear a helmet. By following these precautions you can keep yourself and other members of the public safer on our roads.
Bicycle Safety on the Road and Near Cars
Use a Bike Lane
The first rule of bicycle safety is to use a bike lane and keep your movements predictable. Not every road has a dedicated bike lane, but when they do, make sure to utilize that. Remember though that a bike lane is typically just a line painted on the ground. It’s not some sort of physical barrier, so you need to stay alert. Just because you are in a bike lane doesn’t mean a car couldn’t drift into it. Stay alert and always make sure to look both ways before making sudden movements. Use hand signals to alert drivers around you about your movements.
Be Visible
Try to remember that an important part of bicycle safety is being visible. As a biker, you are much smaller than other vehicles on the road. Make sure that you make up for this by wearing reflective gear and that your bike and helmet have lights. Wear bright colors so you can easily be seen. And try to stay off the road at times when visibility is very low.
Be Alert
The number one rule of the road for anybody and for bicycle safety is to stay alert. Always be on the lookout for other traffic. Defensive driving is the key to safety. It’s also important to be able to hear things around you, so don’t wear headphones that cut out the road noise. You need to be able to react if a car honks or gives an alert. Pay attention, and never drive when drowsy or intoxicated.
Wear a Helmet
Finally, an important aspect of bicycle safety for your own protection is to always wear a helmet. Even if you are going a short distance or staying off busy roads. An accident can happen anywhere and the head is especially fragile. Make sure to get a helmet that fits you properly and is made for the type of biking you plan to do – whether that be road biking, racing, or mountain biking. Seek the advice of a professional for recommendations on good quality helmets and fit.
Bicycle safety is very important both for the biker and for the other drivers on the road. Always use a bike lane whenever possible, and alert other drivers about your movements with hand signals as much as you can. Try to stay visible by avoiding times of the day with low visibility. Wear bright colors and reflective pieces on your clothing and bike to help with visibility. Of course, paying attention at all times is so important. Don’t bike when there are distractions, and keep an eye on the traffic around you. And finally, always always always wear a helmet, no matter how far you’re biking. Hopefully, by following these precautions, you will keep yourself and other drivers on the road safer.