More and more people are taking to the roads on two wheels for their daily commute. Cycling is a greener, healthier, cost effective way of getting about, but there are many dangers, particularly when cycling on the busy roads of the larger towns and cities. With lots of other vehicles to contend with such as cars, buses and lorries, the dangers are obvious and with no certification required to be able to take to the roads on a bicycle, it is essential that urban cyclists recognise the dangers, both to themselves and to other road users.
Making eye contact with other road users is vital. Communication with drivers can be extremely difficult with the noisy traffic, so eye contact is essential in making sure that the driver has acknowledged your position. In addition, you should make your attentions very clear to other road users. Make appropriate signals with your arms and hands well before you make a manoeuvre.
You should never be riding in the gutter. It is recommended that your riding position shouldn't be less than 1 metre form the kerb allowing enough room to avoid overtaking traffic if they choose to overtake too close to you. Also, close to the kerbs there are often drain covers and loose debris that can cause obstruction when cycling. Try to avoid any obstacles that could cause you to become unsteady, without swerving into the road.
Never try to undertake a lorry or large vehicle, as the driver will have a 'blind spot' whereby they cannot see you. As a result, they could unknowingly steer into your path and cause a collision. Similarly, you should always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front to make a sudden stop.
When you pass parked cars, you should always leave enough room for the car door to be opened without obstructing your path. Sometimes, drivers or passengers might fail to see you coming and open a door, causing a collision. Above all, you should always be alert and never try to predict another road user's actions, because if the prediction is wrong, an accident could occur.
Making eye contact with other road users is vital. Communication with drivers can be extremely difficult with the noisy traffic, so eye contact is essential in making sure that the driver has acknowledged your position. In addition, you should make your attentions very clear to other road users. Make appropriate signals with your arms and hands well before you make a manoeuvre.
You should never be riding in the gutter. It is recommended that your riding position shouldn't be less than 1 metre form the kerb allowing enough room to avoid overtaking traffic if they choose to overtake too close to you. Also, close to the kerbs there are often drain covers and loose debris that can cause obstruction when cycling. Try to avoid any obstacles that could cause you to become unsteady, without swerving into the road.
Never try to undertake a lorry or large vehicle, as the driver will have a 'blind spot' whereby they cannot see you. As a result, they could unknowingly steer into your path and cause a collision. Similarly, you should always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front to make a sudden stop.
When you pass parked cars, you should always leave enough room for the car door to be opened without obstructing your path. Sometimes, drivers or passengers might fail to see you coming and open a door, causing a collision. Above all, you should always be alert and never try to predict another road user's actions, because if the prediction is wrong, an accident could occur.
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