With the weather warming up and a number of cycle races scheduled to take place around the country before the end of the year, there has been a marked increase in the number of cyclists training on the roads.
With the weather warming up and a number of cycle races scheduled to take place around the country before the end of the year, there has been a marked increase in the number of cyclists training on the roads.
Unfortunately, this means more cyclists are killed on the road as well.
In South Africa, about 300 cyclists are killed in vehicle-related accidents each year, which does not include those who are seriously injured or permanently disabled.
European research suggests that because cyclists pose little threat to motorists, drivers have less reason to be aware of them. They are also often treated as a nuisance rather than road users with equal rights. Furthermore, motorists can’t always anticipate when to expect cyclists, who can also be very difficult to see, especially at night. At the same time, cyclists often neglect road rules, ride abreast and make mistakes, which can be dangerous when there are cars in the vicinity.
“Many cycle related accidents can be prevented if cyclists take reasonable steps to stay safe and motorists remain conscious of them and treat them with the respect they would any other vehicle on the road," says Auto & General’s director, Angelo Haggiyannes.
Aside from the risk cyclists face from traffic, they also face the risk of crime.
“Incidents in which cyclists’ bikes are stolen from them while they’re out on the roads training are not uncommon. There’s the risk of a bike being snatched when the bicycle is parked at a pit-stop and even at home. Cyclists need to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime, as well protect their assets with insurance,” says Haggiyannes.
Auto & General offers these tips for cyclists:
-Never ride a bicycle without wearing a safety helmet.
-Always obey the rules of the road
-Use hand signals so that other road users know your intentions
-Always wear bright or reflective clothing to ensure that you are visible to other road users
-Carry an emergency bracelet or some form of ID that contains your medical details so that you can be identified and your family members can be contacted in the event of an accident
-Avoid distractions such as mp3 players and cellphones so that you are fully conscious of what is going on around you
-Avoid cycling when it is dark or when visibility is poor due to rainy weather, veld fires or fog.
-Ride in a group as there is safety in numbers and groups of riders are more visible to motorists than a lone cyclist. However, you must not ride abreast.
-Make sure that your bike, brakes and tyres are in optimal condition.
-Ensure that accessories such as pumps and saddlebags are properly secured to the bike
-Fit lights and ensure that they work if you intend to ride in the early morning or late evening when visibility is poor.
-Plan your route and always let someone know where you will be cycling.
-Avoid unsafe and secluded roads.
-Make sure you have adequate insurance on your bike so that you are covered if your bike is damaged in an accident or stolen.
