Wednesday, February 11, 2015

let's make urban cycling a bit safer

make urban cycling a safer

safety is probably one of the most common reason for people for not to shift to cycling in the cities.
will break this post into 2 parts. firstly how safe or unsafe are we on the bike. secondly how to feel safer.

Are we safe cycling on the road? the answer is ‘NO’.
Are we safe driving a car around or a bike or simply walk? the answer again is ‘NO’.

Does that mean we shut our self indoors and wait for a an earthquake or flood to kill us.

Lets be real there is no way we can be 100% percent sure about our safety, but there are ways to make it safer for you to enjoy the ride.

We can’t change the world and expect them to start driving with cyclists in their mind, but what we can do is to put the cyclist in their mind once in a while. So a few easy steps to do the same.


VISIBILITY
  • Be it the night or the day it’s very important to be visible, so make sure you are as visible as possible
  • look for a flashy neon wind breaker, something light and thin is better can be used in summer and winters it adds another layer of safety and warmth. 





http://goo.gl/JElQEg

  • reflective patches are at times a part of the wind breaker or else you can buy a reflective tape and put a couple of stripes on the jacket
  • bright clothing is always good even for the day time
  • in the night/evening lights are really required. head lights solve two purpose it helps you see whats ahead, it also creates a illuminated spot infant of you and make you more visible to the approaching traffic. you can use a headlights or handlebar lights. or at time a combination of both can also be good. 

http://goo.gl/DW5J1j (that's the one i use will try and ad some pictures of the fenix headlight in action)
http://goo.gl/GRnwFi
  • all bicycles come fitted with reflectors but it’s always advisable to use more of them even the simple reflective tapes work well
  • backlight is as important as the front light or maybe more. us a bright one which has an option of blinking. it should be as disruptive as possible. this is the one i am using works really well. also make sure all this is LED the battery consumption will be much lesser
  • if you carry bags of your shoulder of panniers put reflective tapes on them too

BE A CAUTIOUS RIDER
  • The world is not interested in being on a look out for you, so it’s your job to ride as safe as possible
  • Helmets are must, it adds some cushioning in case of a fall or a hit to your head
  • Ride on the left side of the road
  • Be aware of parked cars, they are likely to open the doors at any moment and you may hit on it
  • Don’t go too close to any vehicle, maintain safe distance
  • If you have to take a turn make sure wave your hands a bit ahead of time
  • Side view mirrors is great thing to have (still not the most important)
  • Most important thing is to be aware nothing is more important that you senses, sight and sound both work in tandem
  • Be aware of potholes on the road, gravel, wet roads etc. riding through all these can be real fun as long as you are aware of them. if they take you by surprise they can act mean
  • FOLLOW TRAFFIC RULES. If you want to be respected on the road, you have to behave like a law abiding citizen

CONDITION OF THE CYCLE
  • Brakes should be fit. Brake shoes should be checked regularly. the wires should be well lubricated and flexible
  • Regular service of bike is must
  • All the nuts and bolts should be kept tight in place
  • Tyres should have the right air pressure
  • Tyres should not be bald. Never
  • Handle bar grips should have a good grip, in case of emergency your hands shouldn’t slip

Hope this list will be good enough for atleast one of my friend to start riding to the nearby pub or grocery store. Feel free to add your tips and comments.

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