How New Cyclists Can Keep Themselves Safe on London Roads

For some years, the number of cyclist accidents in London decreased but recent activities suggest the numbers are on the rise once again. Statistics reported by the standard.co.uk highlights the increasing rate of collision between cyclists and HGV drivers.

The number of accidents involving cyclists is alarming but fortunately, you can limit the risk by employing one or two strategies while you ride on the road. For new cyclists, the learning curve shouldn't be restricted to balancing yourself on the bicycle. It's important for new riders to arm themselves with some traffic measures when they hit the street of London.

The most basic strategy to keep cyclist safe on the road is to improve visibility to other road users by wearing reflective apparel. Cyclist can also benefit from knowing traffic rules and regulations. We've gone into details on these strategies in the next few lines.

Understand the Risks

As a cyclist, it is essential to understand how vulnerable you are. The number of London cyclist accident claims made each year highlights the frequency with which these incidents can and do happen.

Unlike what many people think, the dark isn't a factor for cyclist accidents. Ironically, most of these incidents happen during the day. While knowing the rules of the road is, of course, essential to anyone who goes out on two wheels, it is also important for you to understand that many factors remain outside of your control, and that even the most proficient cyclist remains vulnerable to cars and HGVs on the roads - particularly in a busy city like London.

Use the right Apparel

Most collisions arise from visibility issues. Most drivers complain that they had no idea of what was in front before the collision. This highlights the need for cyclists to wear that makes it easier to spot them on the road.

Even more important, new cyclists should inspect their bicycle before hitting the road to minimize malfunction. Also ensure vital parts such as tires, gears, and brakes are free from any form of defects. One of the last things a cyclist wants to happen is for a tire to blow out or a brake cable to lose function while commuting, causing injuries to themselves or others.

Lastly, head injuries are quite common in traffic accidents nowadays. This is more reason why cyclists should wear their helmets as they ride on the road. This way, when they bump into obstacles, the risk of sustaining significant - and potentially life altering - injury will be significantly reduced.

Alertness on the road

As a cyclist, it is up to you to remain alert not only to obstacles and dangers in your own path, but also to other road users, and the mistakes they may be making. Look out for drivers who appear to be driving in a way that might be deemed unsafe.

Collisions are also common at road junctions especially from vehicles looking to turn into another street. When riding your bicycle, ensure that you always keep your own safety as a top priority, and don't fall into complacency around cars and HGVs.