Bicycle Commuting Safety Tips for Beginners

24
Jul
2013

If you’re still thinking of becoming a bicycle commuter, here are some great tips to get you started.  Laura Ginn is a bicycle enthusiast and wants to share her bike commuting safety tips with you.

Bike Commuting Safety Tips for Beginners

by Laura Ginn

Making the change from a car to a cycle and pedalling your way to work is not only good for the environment, it is also great for your health. Unfortunately it can also be hazardous to your health if you fail to observe some basic safety information designed to get you through your journey in one piece. Though many people consider cycling through town more like running the gauntlet than anything pleasurable, statistics from the UK National Traffic Survey have shown that it is actually more dangerous to be a pedestrian than a cyclist. Here are some tips to ensure you are as safe as possible when sharing the roads with other traffic.

Conquer Your Fear

If you are afraid of the other traffic on the road you are not going to be riding defensively and could end up putting yourself and other road users at risk. Boost your confidence by taking a cycling proficiency course so you can stake your claim as a confident road user. The course will cover all of the road safety basics and give you the skills that you need to be able to cycle in traffic.

Positioning is Everything

Ride like you belong on the road! While you don’t take up as much space as a car you need to have enough room around you to give you space to avoid any hazards. You should aim to position yourself a minimum of 50cm out from the curb. Not only does this give you room to manoeuvre it also ensures that you are visible to other road users. It also deters drivers from trying to squeeze past you, making them wait until it is safe to overtake.

Clear Signals

You may know where you’re going but you need to ensure that the vehicles you are sharing the road with do too. Make your signals clear and as unambiguous as possible. Remember to look over your shoulder before you make any manoeuvres. If you can look the driver of the car behind you in the eye, this way you can be positive that he has not only seen you there but also noted your intent to manoeuvre. This is especially important as you approach roundabouts.

Traffic Light Safety

Though it may be tempting, you should fight the urge to jump a red light. Not only will it infuriate the drivers behind you, you could also be involved in an accident if a driver is racing the lights in the opposite direction. Position yourself behind the stop line and position yourself away from the curb, this way the drivers behind will not be tempted to squeeze past you.

Get Covered

If you are using your cycle for your daily commute, make sure that you have covered your bike against accidental damage. A cycle can be written off in a collision and can be an expansive item to replace. Protectyourbubble.com offers comprehensive cycle coverage as well as a multi-cycle policy for all of your family’s bicycles.

Bio

Laura Ginn prefers to cycle on a rugged bike trail on her mountain bike rather than road cycling through traffic, but knows that the best way to enjoy the ride is to be confident at all times.  She believes that getting out on her bike is the best way to stay fit and healthy while helping the environment at the same time.

Enjoy Your Ride
Pin It

5 Responses to “ Bicycle Commuting Safety Tips for Beginners ”

  1. Raymond A. Poythress on December 26, 2013 at 11:45 am

    I am currently trying to organize a group cycling tour to help build my
    local touring community. Recently my thoughts have gone to better ways
    to carry gear on the bike. What I have seen here further reinforces what
    I am coming to understand as a backpacker approaching bike touring.
    Great article.

    https://www.spinlister.com/

  2. Raymond A. Poythress on November 22, 2013 at 7:25 am

    That is a very good exercise and a stress reliever task. But be sure you guys wear your helmet when you go biking.

    https://www.spinlister.com/

  3. Raymond A. Poythress on November 14, 2013 at 10:18 am

    nice quality writing, it is uncommon to look a nice weblog like this one today..

    https://www.spinlister.com/

  4. Eric Hutchins on August 12, 2013 at 11:44 pm

    All very good advice.
    I would add the colorful attire and even flashing lights etc. Help. These things really seem to wake drivers up a little bit, I am not sure why but the do seem to make a difference.

  5. flygirl on July 25, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Excellent advice – I’ve been commuting for 30 years and this advice is just about as good as it gets.

Calendar

    March 2024
    M T W T F S S
     123
    45678910
    11121314151617
    18192021222324
    25262728293031

Archives

Sugar Alternatives for Energy and Hydration

Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean “lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

Sports Drink Homebrew

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.

Nutrition Tips