Riding your bike can be a great deal of fun, and it’s a brilliant way to keep fit. Nevertheless, bike riding has its hazards, especially when you’re sharing the road with motorized traffic. To keep safe, it is important to have a bike in top condition and to pay attention to some basic but very important cycling requirements when sharing your ride with the general traffic.
Look and listen – First of all, pay 100 percent attention, just as you would while driving.
Pick smart routes – The best roads have few cars, low speed limits and no blind corners. Often, a slightly longer route with fewer cars will be faster than a shorter, busier one. Also, try to find roads with a shoulder you can ride on.
Don’t keep secrets – As you ride, try to think of what drivers will see as they drive up behind you. Use hand signals to indicate where you intend to go. At intersections, make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you. Also, for future goodwill, wave a thank-you when you’re given the right of way.
Stay steady – Looking behind you without swerving is an essential skill. For new riders, simply glancing back with your hands on the brake hoods may work, but this method often causes the bar to turn in the direction you’re looking.
