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Be Seen: Always wear the right gear. Fluorescent by day - reflective by night. The Law states you must use front and rear lights and have a reflector on the rear at night. Keep them clean and make sure they're working properly. A good idea is to put reflectors on your pedals.
Wear a Helmet: Wearing a correctly fitting helmet could save your life if you fall off your bike. Buy one that conforms to a recognised standard such as BS6863, AS2063, ANSIZ90.4 or SNELL. Check the details before buying.
Be Heard: Don't assume that everyone can see you or hear you for that matter. Use a bell or horn if you think pedestrians or drivers have not seen you. If they still don't appear to hear you see you stop or slow down and take extra care.
Get Trained: The roads are dangerous, especially where fast, busy moving traffic is. Get some training. If its not available locally contact the local school or local authority for help.
Be Alert: Watch for other road users and pedestrians. Don't ride straight off the pavement onto the road. On busy and narrow roads always ride in single file. And remember that driver may well not have noticed you, so ride with care.
Look After Your Bike: Make sure your bike is kept clean, that all moving parts work properly and check the brakes, tyres and lights on a regular basis.
Don't Act Stupid: Nearly two-thirds of young cyclists suffer injuries whilst riding their bikes because they are fooling around or are doing stupid tricks. Bikes are meant for one person at a time. BMX riders train hard and long to be able to do the tricks they do, they wear safety protection and they don't do riding stunts on a main road.
Stay Legal: The Highway Code does apply to cyclists. So no cycling through red lights, on pavements or the wrong way down a one-way street. Apart from you being a danger to other road users and perhaps being involved in a serious accident you could face prosecution!
Safe Load: Cycles are not built to carry more loads of gear. Store your belongings in a saddlebag or in panniers designed especially for bikes; keep the weight equally balanced on both sides. Make sure nothing can come free that will catch in the wheels or chain and keep your hands free for signalling and controlling the bike.
Choosing Your Route: Always try to use quieter streets and avoid busy roads. If provided, use cycle lanes, and remember to watch out for pedestrians, particularly those who may not be able to move out of your way quickly.
Watch where You are going: Take care when entering a new road, especially at roundabouts. Make sure you use hand signals and watch out for other drivers cutting in front of you. Always check its safe to move off before doing so. If it doesn't look safe enough, get off and walk.
Finally - Buy the Highway Code and read the section particularly aimed at cyclists.
BE SAFE
NB If you don't feel safe going out on the road check out our shopping store for a choice of two adaptors so you can use your cycle indoors.
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Author: Ann Brady
Copyright www.exercise.co.uk
2001
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Copyright Exercise, Fitness & Leisure 2001
No information on this site can be used for commercial purposes without the prior approval
of E.F.L All rights reserved
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