Do you know where cyclists are supposed to drive on the road in the city? Do you know the signs and safe behaviors for preventing falls or collisions? Here are some recommendations for being a safe cyclist.
Road accidents involving cyclists are very common and most occur on straight sections of the road and at intersections, often due to collisions or impact with other vehicles. In 2021 alone, around 200 cyclists died in Mexico as a result of injuries caused by a traffic accident.
Safe cyclists play an important role in sustainable mobility and in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. When driving on the public road, it is important for cyclists to know and respect their rights and obligations.
This article explores the principles of safe driving, the traffic signs it is important to know and the essential safety elements applicable. Being a safe cyclist is key to protecting yourself and other road users.
Cycling on urban roads
Cyclists must follow certain rules and practices to stay safe on urban roads. Some guidelines include the use of bike paths or lanes designed for bicycles, signals for turns and passing, maintaining a safe distance from vehicles, recognizing blind spots, taking additional precautions when interacting with larger vehicles: car, microbus, bus, etc. It is also important to obey and respect traffic lights.
It is important for safe cyclists to make themselves noticed; for example, when a pedestrian is crossing the street, it is important for the cyclist to get their attention and make eye contact with them (remember that the pedestrian has the right-of-way).
The same applies to cars, where it is recommended that the cyclist have a bell or some other form of making noise rather than simply assuming that the vehicle driver has seen them.
What safe cyclists shouldn’t do on the road?
Just as cyclists have the absolute right to travel on the public road, they also have rules they need to follow, like not cycling on the sidewalks (if they need to continue moving along the sidewalk, they should dismount and walk their bike) and avoiding using lanes reserved for other vehicles.
It is also important to follow the traffic signs and not make any sudden or dangerous maneuvers. Respecting other road users, like pedestrians and drivers, is very important to maintaining safety and harmony in traffic situations.
Using your headphones or cell phone while riding a bike is very dangerous because it makes it difficult to pay attention to what is happening around you. Doing so is negligent and puts lives at risk and may put other users in unpredictable situations.
What side of the road should safe cyclists ride on?
Safe cyclists should travel in the same direction as vehicles on the public road. This means they should always use the lane to the far right. By moving in the same direction as traffic, cyclists are more visible to drivers and the risk of collision is lower. Also, by riding on the right-hand side, cyclists can better anticipate vehicle movements and make safer decisions.
Respect the traffic signs
Cyclists are subject to the same traffic signs as motor vehicles. It is important that you know and respect these signs to guarantee a safe road. Some relevant traffic signs include lights, stop signs, yield signs, one-way signs and no access signs.
Safety elements to use
To travel safely, cyclists must have certain safety elements. Use of a good helmet that fits and is adjusted correctly is very important to protect your head in case of a fall or collision.
Safe cyclists should also use headlights, rear lights, reflectors and reflective clothing to increase visibility, especially at night or in conditions where there is not much light. Mirrors are also useful to improve awareness of the surrounding situation.
It is important to give regular maintenance to the bicycle to ensure it is in good working condition. Checking the brakes, lights, tires and chain regularly will help you have a safe trip.
It is important for all users of the road, whether it be cyclists, pedestrians or drivers, to be aware and respectful of one another to promote safe and sustainable mobility.
At Fundación Aleatica para la Seguridad Vial we know that We Are All Road Safety, so we have committed to contributing to the reduction in deaths and serious injuries caused by road accidents and to the goals of the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.
