For a while, biking to work seemed to get a bad rap. In fact, at one point, cycling began to decline steadily. However, in recent years, many communities have witnessed significant improvements in existing infrastructure, making biking a much safer option than before, at least in some areas. While the introduction or renewal of bike lanes, paths, and safety measures has made biking to work safer, there are still personal safety precautions you should take if you're planning on cycling anywhere.
The first step towards protecting yourself is ensuring you have the right safety gear. You can never be too cautious when it comes to your safety.
A helmet is absolutely essential. Out of all the safety accessories you could own, a new bicycle helmet is the most important. Unlike some items that can be reused even with wear and tear, a helmet is something you shouldn't gamble with. In case of an accident that sends you flying over your handlebars, knowing that your head is protected by a reliable and high-quality helmet might be the only thing keeping you calm as you soar through the air for those few seconds. If you suspect that the materials in your helmet might be compromised due to use, damage, or age, it's time to invest in a new one.
Making sure you're visible to Others on the road is crucial. Most biking accidents happen because someone wasn't paying attention. The more visible you are, the less likely you are to end up in an accident.
Adding lights and bells to both your person and your bike can enhance your road presence. It's recommended to have at least two lights – one white front light and one red rear light. Depending on local laws, not having the proper lighting could even result in a fine. It's a good idea to attach additional lights or reflective strips to your helmet and clothing, or wear brightly colored or reflective clothes. Research suggests that fluorescent yellow-green is the most visible color during bright daylight hours. As the sun sets and darkness sets in, fluorescent orange-red becomes a better choice for nighttime riding. If you ride both during the day and at night regularly, having clothes in both colors is ideal. If you can only choose one, fluorescent yellow-green is the best overall choice. A neon-colored safety vest is a simple solution if you prefer not to wear bright clothes at work.
Having a decent bell can also be an effective way to communicate your presence or intentions. Not all bike bells are created equal, so opt for one with a good reputation. Whichever bell you choose should be easy to mount, easy to ring, and durable enough to withstand various weather conditions.
Planning ahead is key to a successful commute. If you assume you can wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual and start biking absentmindedly, you might end up lost or late.
Knowing your surroundings is one of the simplest ways to stay safe. Map out your exact biking route, as well as some detours, and familiarize yourself with the areas surrounding your commuting path. Google Maps and Strava are great tools for planning routes; Google Maps offers bicycle-specific directions, which can be cross-referenced with popular cycling routes from Strava.
By mapping out your area, you might discover alternate routes that lead you away from heavy traffic or challenging terrain that were previously inaccessible by car. You might also realize that the fastest route to your destination isn't necessarily the fastest for the return trip. Knowing your surroundings allows you to find time-saving alternate routes and reduces the likelihood of getting lost or wasting time.
Understanding local ordinances is another important aspect of safe biking. Getting a traffic ticket while riding a bike might sound funny, but it happens more often than you'd think, and it definitely ruins your commute. The world looks different outside of a car, and it's easy to forget that traffic rules still apply.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "by law, bicycles on the roadway are vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles." This means all the rules you follow when driving a car apply to riding a bike. It's recommended that you read up on local bicycling requirements and regulations to avoid unnecessary commuting issues. For instance, in New York City, bicycles must be equipped with a bell, a white front headlight, and a red rear tail light; failing to do so could result in a fine.
In 2016, the San Diego Police Department released statistics on bicycle citations. Among over two dozen citation types, the most common bicycle citation over a 16-month period (from January 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016) was for "failure to stop." Knowing what is legally expected of you not only increases your overall safety but can also avoid costly citations.
Taking a practice run is another important part of preparing for your first commute. What feels like a smooth drive in a car can be challenging on a bike. Take at least one slow, unhurried run-through of your route to minimize preventable delays. You should know the biking infrastructure of your commuting route, including whether there are bike lanes or other bicycle-friendly road features. If there's a lack of such features, it's good to know that, too. By taking it slower than you would on a normal morning commute and adding 15 extra minutes to your run-through time, you're giving yourself the buffer you might need on a day with extra traffic or if you have to change a flat tire. If you haven't ridden in a while, a run-through can help you assess your current cycling fitness and determine if you need more or less time than expected.
If you plan on leaving your bike somewhere that might compromise its safety, a proper lock is essential. U-locks and chain locks are the two best lock options, but neither is perfect. U-locks are generally lightweight and easy to attach to a bike, but their rigid bulkiness makes them harder to carry and limits you to locking your bike to slimmer fixtures, such as bike racks and handrails. Never lock your bike to city-owned installations like traffic signs or mailboxes, as your bike is likely to be removed and you might even get fined if you try to retrieve it.
The main downside to chains is their noticeable weight, making them a literal burden. Even though the extra weight might not seem worth the risk, chain locks offer significant advantages; their flexibility and length allow you to lock your bike to larger fixtures, such as trees and thick posts.
For locks to be effective, they must meet certain criteria. A 16 mm shaft for U-locks or 16 mm link wire diameter chain should be considered the minimum acceptable thickness because properly hardened steel at that size is too thick to be cut by manual bolt cutters; anything smaller than 16 mm risks being cut. Locks with flat keys, which resemble standard house keys, are preferred.
While you don't have to master every detail of how a bike works or how to fix everything, knowing the basics should be a priority. At the very least, you should know how to adjust air pressure and how to fix a flat tire. Plenty of "how-to" blogs and YouTube videos are available to help you learn these basics. Being prepared also means always carrying a basic repair kit that includes spare tubes, tire levers, and a portable pump or CO2 cartridges and inflator.
Being prepared for inclement weather is also crucial. Many cyclists live by the saying: "there’s no bad weather, just bad gear." You won’t ride in the middle of a hurricane or winter storm, but there are plenty of rainy or cold days that are perfectly feasible on a bike if you and your bike are properly equipped.
When it rains, a water-repellent jacket, pants, and overshoes will likely keep you dry. Since there’s still a good chance you'll get wet, keeping a spare set of clothes, footwear, and basic toiletries at work is a smart move.
For colder winter weather, consider wearing thermal tights, gloves, shoe covers, a face mask, and a windproof jacket. Even if you already own a reliable insulated winter jacket, remember that bulky clothing can hinder your control or become too warm, leaving you drenched in sweat by the end of your ride.
A waterproof backpack or waterproof panniers are necessary to protect your belongings from summer rain and winter slush if you expect your items to stay dry throughout your commute. Another essential for wet weather are fenders, which will keep you from getting a muddy stripe across your back.
If you live in a hot environment, there are some basic items you’ll want to include in your commuting arsenal. Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Stay hydrated by packing water and snacking on hydrating fruits before your ride. Heat is stressful on the body, so don’t hesitate to slow down—especially if your body is signaling you to.
Bikes are surprisingly resilient to weather conditions. Proper maintenance ensures a bike will last for many years. If your bike frequently gets wet and dirty, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan.
Mudguards, or fenders, are essentially shields placed above the bike tires and are a must-have for commuters who encounter puddles and wet road debris. They not only keep you and your bike clean but also protect the bike's moving parts from dirt. Some bikes come with mudguards, but if yours doesn't, they can usually be added later. If you're worried about a permanent fixture you might not always need, there are several temporary fenders that can be attached as needed.
Cleaning and lubricating your chain after riding in any kind of precipitation might seem excessive, but experienced cyclists will tell you it’s sound advice. A quick scrub with a toothbrush and degreaser followed by a few drops of lube is all it takes. Keeping a "rainy day" chain kit in your bag or at work can ensure you're always ready to give your bike the care it needs to continue running smoothly and rust-free.
Even with proper preparation, unexpected situations can arise. Beginners often learn quickly about their inexperience when faced with unfortunate circumstances.
One of the greatest dangers to urban cyclists is car doors. The easiest way to avoid being hit by an unaware driver’s door is to assume every door you pass will open and hit you. Apply this mindset to all cars: moving, stopped, and parked, especially at intersections. If you have no choice but to ride closer than a door's length away, slow down to a walking pace and watch for warning signs like brake lights, taxi vacancy lights, and the side-to-side rocking motion of passengers preparing to exit.
People often make last-minute, unannounced right turns, especially when unfamiliar with their surroundings. Drivers who are uncertain or lost are annoying when in a car, but when on a bike, they become a real danger. If you notice a car behaving erratically, give yourself extra stopping distance to avoid colliding with a right-turning car. Get into the habit of checking over your left shoulder (if traveling on the right side of the road) when approaching intersections, exit ramps, and driveways.
Tailgating is a big no-no, whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike. Since you can’t predict what others are thinking, you must act in a way that gives you enough time and distance to respond to sudden turns and stops.
Since bikes take up so little space on the road, cars can unintentionally get close behind cyclists, especially in heavy traffic. This creates a dangerous situation since bikes can stop much quicker than cars, and most bikes lack brake lights. Rear-end accidents are common and can result in injuries even at low speeds. Being able to see what’s behind you gives you additional reaction time and is critical for your safety. Bike helmet mirrors, similar to car rear-view mirrors, are inexpensive and highly effective safety devices. Bar end mirrors apply the concept of side-view mirrors to bicycles and increase safety further.
Sidewalks and bike lanes were created for a reason, as their names suggest; sidewalks are for pedestrians, and bike lanes are for bikes. Bicycles are legally considered "vehicles," meaning the same road rules and responsibilities that apply to motor vehicle drivers also apply to cyclists. If there are no bike lanes, cyclists are legally allowed to ride in the same lanes as motor vehicles. If your commute takes you on a busy road without a bike lane or a wide shoulder, try to avoid it and find an alternate route. One of the joys of bike commuting is exploring less-traveled roads.
If your commute takes you to paths shared with pedestrians, other cyclists, or even motorists, riding at a reasonable speed is vital for your safety and the safety of those you encounter. Just because your regular route might only be used by pedestrians and other cyclists doesn’t mean you can safely ride at higher speeds. Carelessness can still result in serious injury to yourself or others. Avoid fast speeds on shared paths or trails.
Since bikes must yield to pedestrians, if you decide to pass one, know how to do so safely. Since pedestrians instinctively jump forward at the sight of trouble, it’s recommended to pass from behind to leave no doubt about who is yielding.
Before approaching a pedestrian from behind, slow down and announce yourself and your intention to pass: “rider, on your left.†A bell installed on your handlebars makes riding near pedestrians much easier: it speaks all languages.
Unexpected situations can happen, and while you can control which bike you buy, you can’t control everything around you. So what do you do if something goes wrong? If you’re stranded because of a flat tire and don’t have the right equipment to fix it, or if your bike has gone missing from where you locked it, or you get injured after an encounter with a pedestrian or motor vehicle, you don’t have to panic. Insurance for bicycle commuters, like the customizable bicycle insurance plans offered by Velosurance, can help in all these situations and more. Created by cyclists who have encountered their fair share of riding challenges, there are options to cover unexpected emergencies that cyclists often face. Whether it’s a damaged or stolen bicycle or roadside assistance you need, Velosurance has got your back.
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