How to Stay Safe on the Road When Cycling

Cycling is a great way to stay fit and avoid traffic; it can be the quickest way to get across areas with heavy traffic in many cities. In addition, you can save money when using your bike, you won’t need to pay congestion fees, and parking is free in most places. There are also great environmental benefits as you’ll reduce your carbon footprint. However, cycling on roads has its own risks; you’re more vulnerable when on a bike than being inside a car. It’s important that you ride safely and follow the rules of the road to protect yourself when cycling. In this article, we take a look at some tips to stay safe when cycling on the road.

Safety equipment

Firstly, you need to wear the right safety equipment; this will reduce your risk of severe injury if you do come off your bike. The most important piece of safety equipment is a well-fitting helmet. A helmet will protect you if you fall and hit your head on the pavement or road. Choose your helmet carefully and opt for one with good reviews and impact protection; a helmet can be the difference between a small accident and one that results in life-changing injuries. Lights are also essential if you’re cycling in the dark or in poor weather conditions; you should have a light on the front and back of your bike, as well as reflectors. These will help vehicles see you more easily and can prevent a collision. High visibility clothing is another way to protect yourself when riding your bike; this will increase your presence on the road and make you more noticeable to pedestrians, cyclists and people driving vehicles. These are the basic safety equipment you should have when riding your bike on the road.

Use cycle lanes

Many cities that have a heavy bike presence have clearly marked cycle lanes at the side of the road. These are specifically designed for cyclists to keep them away from other vehicles. If the road or path you’re using has a cycle lane, make sure you use it and stick within the lane. This will protect you from vehicles on the road and help you have a safer journey.

Fuel and hydrate your body

If you cycle long distances, you need to ensure you fuel your body with the right amount of nutrition and water to keep yourself focused. You may become dehydrated or dizzy if you’re not hydrated or if you need food. Cycling gels can be beneficial for long journeys; they provide your body with quick-release energy, and they’re convenient and quick to use. In addition, they’re small and can fit in your pocket. If you ever feel dizzy, tired or struggle to concentrate whilst riding your bike, you should stop, get off, take a break and get some food and water. Paying attention to the road is essential for keeping yourself safe.

Follow the rules of the road

As a cyclist, you still need to follow the rules of the road; this includes stopping at traffic lights. You are putting yourself and others in danger if you run a red light. Vehicles coming in other directions may not be able to stop in time and could collide with you on the road. In addition, you can be fined £50 for running a red light on your bike. Always stop at red lights, even if you’re in a hurry; it's not worth the risk to yourself and others to save an extra few minutes.

Stay away from parked cars

One hazard cyclists often face is people opening the door of their car without looking first. If a cyclist goes past at the wrong time, they can hit the door and injure themselves. When cycling, you should be aware of this potential danger and stay away from parked cars where possible. If you need to cycle past parked cars, give them enough room to open their doors without putting yourself at risk of being hit.

These are just some safety tips that can keep you safe when cycling; there are also many other tips you can use to prevent an accident. Take a look at more advice from Transport For London about cycling safety.