Read these tips for cycling peace of mind

The scenery in South Africa, especially Limpopo, always give cyclists something to admire along the route. With more people taking up the sport, the number of cycling races has increased, and there is usually a lot to take into consideration when organising such an event. But it is during training that cyclists have to deal with dangers caused by other road users, harsh conditions of nature and bad road conditions.

According to arrivealive.co.za, cycling safety has become a major concern on the South Africa roads as there has been a significant increase in the number of fatal accidents involving cyclists.

But what are the problems facing cyclists in traffic?

• Vulnerability: cyclists pose little threat to drivers and hence drivers have less reason to be aware of them. Speed is key in determining severity of outcome. If collision speed exceeds 45km/hour, there is a less than 50% chance that the cyclist will survive. Even at low impact speed, cyclists can be badly injured. Helmets offer protection but helmet use varies by age, gender and location. Speed management is therefore crucial in a safe traffic system aiming to provide for vulnerable road users.
• Invisibility: cyclists are difficult to see and can be hidden, especially at night.
• Differing abilities: Cyclists of all abilities and experience are present on the roads.
• Estrangement: cyclists are often treated as nuisances on the roads, with little regard paid to their status as road users with equal rights.

Planning your route and time of training

What is the best time to cycle and how should I plan my cycling training?

Internationally the numbers of cyclists killed/injured varies spatially and temporally. Most accidents occur on weekday afternoons and the risk of cycle accidents is four to five times greater in darkness than in daylight.

• Ask experienced cyclists in your area on which routes/ roads they train and why they prefer those roads.

• Be alert to the dangers and risk that drivers in vehicles might be blinded by the rising or setting of the sun and might not see slow moving cyclists travelling on the side of the road.
• Watch out for surface conditions like pot- holes and debris.
• Never ride your bike through puddles, there may be hazards hidden beneath the water that you can’t see.
• Try to avoid travelling in the dark.

Strength in numbers

It is important to recognize that there is strength to be found in numbers. Do not go on the road alone and rather find a regular partner able to keep up with your training schedule. This will be very important especially in the event of an emergency.

Inform friends and family when you will be cycling, the road you will be cycling on and when you can be expected to return. Carry a fully charged cellular phone with you so you can request assistance in the event of an emergency.

Equipment and clothing

• Ensure your bike is in good repair.
• Always wear cycle helmets to prevent head injuries. Head injuries cause a high percentage of all cycling deaths – much of which can be prevented by wearing a helmet.
• Helmets only work once. If a helmet has been in a collision that required the inner lining to absorb shock, buy another one! Even though the damage may not be visible, the shock absorbing qualities may be deadened.
• Wear eyewear to protect eyes from dirt, wind and bugs.
• Wear reflective and fluorescent clothing suitable for the weather and time of day that will help other road users to see you.

Rules of the Road

• Obey the rules of the road and know what each traffic sign means – Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• Allow ample time to inform vehicles behind of your intention to turn either left or right with hand signals.

Safe cycling techniques

• Keep both hands on the handlebars unless signalling.
• Be very cautious at blind spots- think ahead before you react.
• At bends and corners of junctions, do not try to speed past a lorry or long vehicle when turning, the driver may not have seen the cyclist approaching at the nearside. It can be very dangerous.
• Avoid swerving left and right on the road, ride in a straight line.
• Avoid speeding behind a moving vehicle, if it brakes sharply there could be a collision.
• Pedestrians should be given priority at all times, remember that some of them may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence.
• Avoid carrying any load that will affect your balance and centre of gravity.

Read more at arrivealive.co.za