GOLDEN RULES FOR CYCLE COMMUTING BEGINNERS
Ever escalating petrol prices. Damage to the environment. Gridlocked roads and traffic jams. Road rage. Expanding waistlines.... These days there are so many great reasons to commute to work by bike. It's a cheap, healthy and fun alternative and it’s constantly converting more and more commuters around the globe.
Unfortunately, some prospective cyclists are put off commuting because they’re worried about their safety. The good news is that the perception of danger is generally far greater than the reality. However, there are things you can do to dramatically decrease your risk and increase your safey when commuting, for example road positioning is key. If you’re thinking about hoping on your bike and giving it a go, why not have a look at our top 10 golden rules on how to commute safely.
1. Always be visible: Wear bright clothing and if cycling at night always use lights and reflectors. To see out clothing click here and for lights click here
2. Be Predictable: cycle in a steady line, so overtaking and oncoming drivers can see your course and pass you safely; don't weave.
3. Communicate: use hand signals to show drivers when you’re about to turn; make eye contact and wave when a motorist let’s you pass.
4. Don't cycle at the edge of a car lane: Ride at least one third into the lane or in the centre if it is narrow. This tells drivers that they must change lanes or overtake you like they would another car, and they can't just squeeze by closer. Even if someone tries to squeeze past you too close, you’ll have the advantage of plenty of room to escape.
5. Always keep at least one meter between you and parked cars – you never know when a door is going to suddenly fly open – one of the most common cycling accidents.
6. Don’t get boxed in: If you’re waiting behind stopped cars, always stop in the centre of the lane, to prevent cars from boxing you in.
7. If a car hasn’t seen you watch its front wheel. If you think a car is about to turn and cut you up because they haven’t seen you, ring your bell but also watch their front wheel. You'll notice when they slow down because the front of the car dips a little, and you'll see a turning wheel long before the car actually turns into your path. Watch where driver is looking.
8. It may be hard, but be friendly. Let that car that followed you patiently pass when there is a chance. If there is a whole line of cars backed up behind you, stop and let them pass at the next opportunity.
9. Wear a good quality helmet. Make sure it fits you securely and is buckled. They can prevent up to 88 per cent of cyclists' brain injuries and should be replaced every 2 years. To go to our helmets section click here.
10. Always be assertive - remember you have the same right to the road as a car.
Good luck and enjoy being refreshed and more alert at work!
Remember:
If everyone who lives within 5 miles of their work left their car at home just one day a week and cycled to work, nearly 5 million tons of global warming pollution would be saved every year — like taking about a million cars off the road.