Cyclists have to share the road with cars. It is important for both parties to respect each other and follow traffic laws. Here are some important safety rules for bicyclists.
1. Maintain your ride
Proper bicycle maintenance is important for prolonging the life of your bicycle and making it safer. To ride safely, your bike needs to top condition. Inspect your brakes, chain, and gears. Before every ride, inspect your bicycle. Look for anything to may be loose or falling off. While cycling, you do not want to have to worry about your bike. If your bike is in top condition, you can focus better on the road and traffic.
2. Follow the laws
These laws are meant to protect everyone on the road. For your safety, it is important that you follow all the laws.There are specific cycling laws. You should familiarize yourself with these laws.
Motorists will assume you are going to follow traffic laws. On the road, you must ride just like any other motorist would. If you do not follow traffic laws, you are putting yourself at risk.
3. Don't assume people can see you
It is difficult for motorists to see cyclists. Never assume that a driver can see you. Ride defensively on the road. You should also consider investing in reflectors for your bike and reflective clothing. These investments can make you more visible. If possible, make eye contact with the driver. You may be riding in his or her blind spot. If a driver makes eye contact with you, you know you are not in a blind spot.
4. Be predictable
Make obvious signals of your intended direction. Many collisions occur when the motorists makes incorrect assumptions about the cyclist's direction.
5. Be careful and aware
In general, you should be very attentive and aware. Constantly scan the road for any motorists driving recklessly. If you pass by parked cars, be especially careful of anyone opening their door. Be careful on railway tracks. It is very easy for your wheels to get caught in the tracks.
6. Never assume you are in a bike friendly environment
Your neighborhood may have bike lanes, but do not assume you can safely ride. You should always have your guard up.
7. Don't engage in road rage
You may encounter angry drivers. If a driver yells or makes rude gestures at you, do not engage or respond the behavior. This may make the driver angrier. It is best to avoid the driver and to pull over in a safe place. If you are afraid for your safety, get the driver's license plate number and tell the police.. Let the authorities deal with the angry driver.
Source:- Dara Kahjav.
