Become fit but stay safe

It provides a fantastic cardio workout, gets your heart pumping and builds leg strength. More and more of us are getting out of the gym and onto our road bikes, especially in cities.

Even the most casual neighbourhood bike ride, however, can have you traveling at relatively high speeds while being exposed to the elements and to other vehicles — with no metal car frame to blunt the impact of a potential crash.

With an increased number of cyclists come an increased potential number of accidents. Everyday, cyclists are unfortunately seriously injured and even killed on our roads.

The Pedal Power Association’s Safe Cycling campaign ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ aims to create an environment conducive to the safety of all cyclists on the road. Here are some helpful tips to share with friends and family to keep safe on the roads.

Wear a helmet

Unfortunately, cyclists are still hitting the roads without any protection for their heads. Even the smallest knock or fall can cause concussion or brain damage. Worse, it could kill you.

A helmet is a small price to pay for your own safety. In fact, in 2004 it became law in South Africa that you must always wear a helmet.

And remember, it’s not just vehicles that you need watch out for: A dog may cross your path, or a child might run across the road in front of you.

Wear visible clothing

Wear bright colours and reflective clothing especially in the early morning and evening or on cloudy days. Lack of visibility is a key issue that contributes towards cycling accidents on our roads.

The new PPA “Stay Wider of the Rider” safe cycling jerseys are highly visible and include the simple “Stay Wider of the Rider” message as well as reflective strips. They are available in short and long sleeves.

Pick up some extra training

Join a cycle club or social riding group to help keep you motivated to go out on regular rides or stick to your training plan.

Riding with a regular group is more fun than riding alone and you may pick up a tip or two about cycling etiquette along the way.

More importantly, riding in a group adds a layer of safety and there is always someone to help you out with a mechanical.

Cycle confidently in your lane

Cyclists too often pedal too close to the curb. The edge of the road is often the place where you’ll find all kinds of debris like stones, sand or glass; drain covers; damaged and uneven road surfaces.

Riding close to the curb also leaves you with little space for evasive action. Cycle in the road, not the gutter.

Riding on the far left doesn’t necessarily make you safer. Instead, it makes it more difficult for cars to see you and a passing car may try and stay in the lane while at the same time trying to squeeze past you.

Cycle confidently in your lane with some space on either side of you. Remember, a bicycle is considered a vehicle according to the traffic laws and is entitled to use the roads.

Make eye contact and strong indications

This one is more important than you might think. The simple trick of making eye contact with drivers might just save your life.

Make sure they know you’re there. Do this before a turning, slowing down or changing lanes.

Making eye contact often means they’ve seen you. Finally, when turning or stopping, indicate your intentions with a bold and visible gesture. Be confident and obvious.

Obey the traffic laws

We so often see or hear about cyclists running red lights and stop streets. If you’re cycling on the road, then the road rules apply to you too.

Even if there is no sign of traffic, obey the lights or road signage. Follow the traffic laws and set an example to other road users.

This fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and leads to increased safety on our roads.

Ride light

When you’re out on your bike early in the morning or late afternoon, fit a set of lights to your bike. A rear-facing, red flashing light will alert the approaching motorists to your presence, before they spot your bright, reflective kit.

Make sure your (steady, white) light facing forward is dipped slightly so it doesn’t blind oncoming drivers. This will also help you to see where you’re going and avoid debris, potholes or pedestrians.

Listen to the road

Music in your ears numbs your senses and drowns out the traffic noise around you. While your favourite tunes might make a long training ride more bearable, wearing an earpiece is actually against the law. Rather whistle or sing a song to yourself – or rediscover the birds around you.

Tell someone where you’re going

Tell your partner or a friend where your route is going to take you and how long you’ll be out for. An unexpected coffee stop could have your loved ones worrying for no reason.

On the other hand, if you are involved in accident or have a mechanical breakdown, you want them to know where to start looking.

Carry tools and spares

Be prepared for mechnicals and carry a couple of spares with you. A multi-tool, spare tube or patch kit, pump and tyre levers, and possibly a chain-breaker and ‘magic link’ will help you sort out the most common repairs. Be a good Samaritan on the road and help out a fellow cyclist if you can.

Getting the bike out and hitting the road is a fantastic way to stay healthy. It effortlessly builds exercise into your daily routine. Just be aware of the dangers and hazards around you and stay safe on the roads.