World Bicycle Day: SA cyclist Candice Lill’s nine tips to keep safe

Cycling is an increasingly popular activity in South Africa, with many people taking it up for exercise and leisure.

However, statistics show that the number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased by 44% over the past decade.

For World Bicycle Day, we asked top SA cyclist and King Price Xtreme team member, Candice Lill, to share her top tips for staying safe on our roads.

Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is required by law in SA and can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. If you have an accident, replace your helmet immediately because they were designed to work only once.

Check your equipment

Bicycle equipment malfunctions contribute to more crashes than people realise. Before hitting the road, check your bike, helmet, and gear, including tyres, chains, and gears.

Be visible

Many accidents occur because drivers fail to see cyclists until too late. Install reflectors and LED lights on your bike, and wear bright or reflective clothing to increase your visibility on the road.

Eyes on the road and hands on the bike

Keep both hands on your bike and use a one-handed water bottle when you need a drink. Refrain from checking your phone while cycling. Instead, focus on the road and your surroundings.

Ride like you’re driving a car

Be predictable and follow the rules of the road to stay safe. Avoid weaving between traffic, ignoring traffic signals, or cutting across multiple lanes. Ride with the traffic flow, not against it, and stay off the pavements as they belong to pedestrians.

Make sure you’re covered

Bicycle theft is a significant issue in SA, and replacing an uninsured bike can be costly. Many insurers cover accidental damage to bicycle rims and tyres as long as the bicycle was specified as a portable possession.

Plan your route

Before hitting the road, plan your route and choose roads with less traffic. Even though they are scarce, it’s always better to use bicycle lanes whenever possible.

Use hand signals

When turning or stopping, clearly communicate your intentions to other road users with hand signals. This helps drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists anticipate your movements and react accordingly, reducing the risk of accidents.

Stay vigilant at intersections

Intersections can be dangerous for cyclists, so always slow down and look in all directions before crossing or turning. Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible to ensure they’ve seen you and know your intentions.

Also, keep load-shedding in mind. It turns busy intersections into potential death traps, so be careful.

Cycling offers many benefits as transport and exercise, but you must take precautions to stay safe on the roads.
By following Lill’s advice, you can enjoy your bike while minimising the risks associated with cycling in SA.

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