Cycling Kit to Keep You Safe on the Road
Whether you are out cycling for fun, fitness or for work as a cycle courier, and whether you are riding during the day or at night, there is normally only one fact to consider if you are in collision with another road user: it is the cyclist that gets the raw deal. Cyclists are extremely vulnerable road users, and because of this it is important to stack the odds in your favor if you go onto the roadways yourself. Remember that it is infinitely better to prevent or avoid dangerous situations, rather than hoping that helmet protects you when it is already too late and you are heading over the handlebars to take a tumble.
Cycling Shirts
The first thing, above everything else, is to make sure you can be seen. This means wearing cycling shirts as bright and garish as you can stomach when out on the road. They might not be too pretty or aesthetically pleasing, but that doesn't matter. Just ensure everybody who drives within thirty feet of you knows you are there!
For riding at night, there is a whole selection of light-reflecting vests on the market that you can put on over your normal cycling jersey, as well as reflective velcro straps that you can attach to your wrists. These straps are particularly good for allowing drivers to see you when making hand signals at night.
Lights and Reflectors
If you are cycling at night, it is not only the visibility of your clothing that is important, but the visibility of your bike itself. Always use a front headlight. In most places this is a legal requirement, but it is also common sense. Make sure you have spare batteries with you in case the ones you are using wear out. It is also essential to use a red rear cycle lamp so that drivers approaching from behind can see you.
There are some other pieces of cycling kit you can buy to keep you seen at night: wheel reflectors attach to the spokes of your wheels and provide a little extra visibility at junctions, where drivers may only get a side view of you; and you can wear red LED "blinkies" on your back, that flash on and off and are good for getting the attention of a tired driver.
Cycling Mirrors
It is certainly crucial for your survival as a cyclist that you are seen by other road users, and seen with ample time to respond to any problem situations. The second aspect of road safety for any cyclist to consider is his or her own awareness of traffic. Very few bikes come with mirrors already attached, but they are very cheap and give you the chance to spot a developing disaster behind you with enough time to take evasive action. However, do not rely entirely on your mirrors. Especially if you are turning at a junction, or pulling out from behind parked cars, turn your head and look thoroughly behind you for oncoming vehicles.
Cycling Helmets
So now you are certain that you can be seen clearly by other road users when out on your bike; and you can see where you are going, yourself - remember those front headlights, and also if you are shortsighted, never go cycling without wearing your glasses. The final piece of kit for any cyclist is personal protection, should the worst case scenario actually happen, and you are involved in an accident. Wear a helmet! You are far more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle if you wear one. The main danger is the road itself, and many cyclists are killed or brain-damaged every year after striking their head against the road surface after a fairly superficial collision. Knee and elbow pads are optional, but you are always better off spending your time and energy assessing risks and dangers than to rely on protective pads and equipment during an accident that should have been entirely preventable.
To summarize the rules of the road for cyclists: be seen, be aware, and wear protection - in that order.
Cycling Shirts
The first thing, above everything else, is to make sure you can be seen. This means wearing cycling shirts as bright and garish as you can stomach when out on the road. They might not be too pretty or aesthetically pleasing, but that doesn't matter. Just ensure everybody who drives within thirty feet of you knows you are there!
For riding at night, there is a whole selection of light-reflecting vests on the market that you can put on over your normal cycling jersey, as well as reflective velcro straps that you can attach to your wrists. These straps are particularly good for allowing drivers to see you when making hand signals at night.
Lights and Reflectors
If you are cycling at night, it is not only the visibility of your clothing that is important, but the visibility of your bike itself. Always use a front headlight. In most places this is a legal requirement, but it is also common sense. Make sure you have spare batteries with you in case the ones you are using wear out. It is also essential to use a red rear cycle lamp so that drivers approaching from behind can see you.
There are some other pieces of cycling kit you can buy to keep you seen at night: wheel reflectors attach to the spokes of your wheels and provide a little extra visibility at junctions, where drivers may only get a side view of you; and you can wear red LED "blinkies" on your back, that flash on and off and are good for getting the attention of a tired driver.
Cycling Mirrors
It is certainly crucial for your survival as a cyclist that you are seen by other road users, and seen with ample time to respond to any problem situations. The second aspect of road safety for any cyclist to consider is his or her own awareness of traffic. Very few bikes come with mirrors already attached, but they are very cheap and give you the chance to spot a developing disaster behind you with enough time to take evasive action. However, do not rely entirely on your mirrors. Especially if you are turning at a junction, or pulling out from behind parked cars, turn your head and look thoroughly behind you for oncoming vehicles.
Cycling Helmets
So now you are certain that you can be seen clearly by other road users when out on your bike; and you can see where you are going, yourself - remember those front headlights, and also if you are shortsighted, never go cycling without wearing your glasses. The final piece of kit for any cyclist is personal protection, should the worst case scenario actually happen, and you are involved in an accident. Wear a helmet! You are far more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle if you wear one. The main danger is the road itself, and many cyclists are killed or brain-damaged every year after striking their head against the road surface after a fairly superficial collision. Knee and elbow pads are optional, but you are always better off spending your time and energy assessing risks and dangers than to rely on protective pads and equipment during an accident that should have been entirely preventable.
To summarize the rules of the road for cyclists: be seen, be aware, and wear protection - in that order.
评论
发表评论