Safety Tips For Cyclists
21 Safety Tips for Cycle Touring and Bikepacking
Here’s a quick list of our top 21 basic safety tips that we recommend you observe when riding.
Always wear a helmet. When riding, your head and the road will not interact well together. Also, you should always wear proper cycling-specific eyewear to keep grit out of your eyes and protect your eyes from the elements. Be sure to wear them with the arms placed over the helmet straps.
Use lights – both rear and front (high lumin and preferably flashing) during both the day and at night. If drivers can see you, they’re (hopefully) more likely to avoid hitting you.
Carry your phone with you and let people know where you’re going. This is espcially important if you’re on your own. It’s also handy if you need You Tube support for things like bicycle repairs.
Obey all traffic rules and signs. Remember that a bicycle is a vehicle too.
“Hold your line”. Ride in a straight line, and ride predictably. Don’t piss everyone off by riding all over the place.
Be sure to signal with your hands when making turns. If drivers know what you’re doing, they’re (hopefully) more likely to avoid hitting you. It’s simple: point left with your left arm for a left turn and point right with your right arm for a right turn. And don’t lift your left arm up in an elbow-out and forearm up motion to indicate a right turn. A right turn is easily signaled with your right arm and the other way makes you look ridiculous.
Attach a bell to your handlebars, and always pass other riders and pedestrians on the left. People aren’t expecting you, so you should tell them when you’re passing them. If you don’t have a bell, be sure to call out in a clear and audible voice “on your left!” when you’re passing another rider. Also, don’t be a dick about it.
Look around for possible dangers and obstacles. Why would you not do this?
Be aware of parked cars – street-side doors may open. This is kinda related to safety tip #8.
Minimize riding after dark. If you have to ride after dark, it’s even more important to observe safety tip #2.
Take care when riding on busy roads that lack shoulders. This is obvious, but we don’t know what you don’t know.
When stopped or off your bike, move clear of the roadway (at least 1-2 meters from traffic). Duh!
Stay out of vehicle blind spots. Again, if drivers can see you, they’re (hopefully) more likely to avoid hitting you.
Don’t drink and ride. We gotta say this, even though you know that we know that you know you’re probably going to do this from time to time anyway, especially if you’re lucky enough to find yourself riding in places like Belgium where beer is considered an energy drink.
Don’t text and ride. Pay attention. If you need to respond to that important outburst of emojis, stop and move to the side.
Don’t ride wearing earbuds or headphones (it’s safer if you can hear what’s going on around you). Also, duh!
Carry a first aid kit, photo ID, and emergency contact information – keep them in a place where good samaritans can find them, such as your handlebar bag.
When you need to leave your bike en route, be sure to lock it up to something solid using a reputable bike lock with a high security rating and be sure to take valuables with you.
Only camp in officially designated camping areas as a registered camper, unless it is absolutely impossible to do so, and then be sure to get permission from the landowner.
Learn how to properly maintain and repair your bike, and carry bike tools and extra parts with you. You should be able to handle most basic repairs and maintenance for your own bike, such as punctures and gear or brake issues.
Check your bike before every ride (especially for stuff like tire pressure and brakes) and know your bike’s specifications, especially tire pressure.