Cyclist Safety
by on October 22, 2008
Bicycles are generally given a loose leash by the traffic police in our country. They will ignore cyclists riding the wrong way or breaking red lights or stop signs or parked in inappropriate locations. Except for a few roads explicitly marked, all roads are open to cycles at all hours. But by gaining this seeming freedom, cyclists have also lost respect amongst motorists. You will find cars often turning into your lane without as much as an indicator buzzing. Or you will face inattentive drivers and passengers opening their doors into your path and walking away with nary an apology. And if you ever find yourself riding a single-carriageway road and a car shows up behind you, they will honk the beejesus out of you and keep the racket up until you do not give way to them.
And all this because people have been riding bicycles the wrong way in our country for a very long time.
The key to gain respect is to exhibit behaviour that deserves some. A bicycle is legally subject to the same rules as any other motor vehicle, including following the flow of traffic, obeying signals, indicating turns and yielding to vehicles that have the right of way.
Other than following rules, the next best thing for you to do is know your bicycle and keep it in good working condition. Tyres with proper pressure, functioning brakes and well-oiled chains (remember ABC – air, brakes and crankset) are the most essential checks and must be made every time you set out to ride.
Wear light clothing or install reflective tapes on your bicycle. And do not cower into the shadows at night, but rather stay in a position where a passing motorist can easily see you.
Also remember to claim your right to the road. Just because there is an impatient motorist honking at you from behind does not mean you ride off the narrow single lane path into the ditch to make way for him. But also do not mess around with the 40-ton 18-wheeler hurtling down the highway. The driver in the cab will not even realize it if you get under one of his wheels. And most trucks are so heavy and fast moving, that it is genuinely difficult for the driver to stop if you get into his way.
The best safety equipment you have while riding are your eyes and ears. Get a pair of sunglasses to keep the dust out when you ride and leave the iPod at home.