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Staying Safe as a Cyclist on the Road
Cycling is an awesome mode of transport, but it can be dangerous also, especially when you are unprepared or lack experience. As a cyclist on the road, you are vulnerable, so make sure you have the proper equipment, some knowledge of the roads, and a suitable bike to ride.
Proper Equipment
Cycling is a super way to get around; it doesn’t cost anything, it’s carbon-neutral, and it gives you plenty of exercise – what’s not to love? The downside is the dangers on the road. Road vehicles are dangerous to cyclists due to their size, speed, and occasional driver inattention.
This is not a reason to avoid cycling on the roads – we all have a right to use them – but we also need to protect our health and wellbeing. Start with the proper equipment; this means a quality helmet – this can reduce the risks of serious injury by 70% – and some clothing for road cycling.
Bicycle Maintenance
To stay safe on the roads as a cyclist, your bicycle needs to be in excellent working order. If your chain comes loose on the road or your brakes fail on a slope, you put yourself in danger. Safe cycling is all about minimizing the risks and maximizing the safety aspects of traveling.
Most cyclists have some idea of bicycle maintenance, even if it is simply securing the chain back on the crankset. If you don’t have much experience with bicycle maintenance, you can take it to a repair shop for a check. Also, learn and practice some basic maintenance skills.
Reflective Gear
Bicycles are small and vulnerable compared to cars; not only that, they are difficult for drivers to see in certain light conditions. Accidents are caused when vehicles have poor visibility or driver inattention, so it’s vital that cyclists wear plenty of reflective gear when they are out on the road.
Most cyclists wear a luminescent jacket – normally fluorescent yellow – to make themselves more visible to traffic. It’s also a good idea to have a flashing light on the front and back of your bike to catch the attention of other road users. This is better than having a solid color light.
Road Sense
Cycling on the road requires wits, experience, and road sense. If you are a cyclist and a driver, you have an advantage because you are aware of the road rules and have a better understanding of the dynamics of cars and vehicles. If you don’t, these are things to learn.
When you are more aware of the road rules, you can anticipate the traffic better and make more intelligent decisions to keep yourself safe. There is no need to learn how to drive first; you can read a road manual or a theory test book to learn about indicators, junctions, and maneuvers.
Cycling Accidents
You might take all possible precautions to avoid a cycling accident, but they can still happen. If you are involved in a cycling accident, you should be entitled to some compensation. Contact a cycling accident lawyer to find out more about seeking compensation for any injuries you have.
