Road Safety and Principles For Bike Riders

Bikes are one of the most vulnerable vehicles, especially on the road, where other large vehicles are passing. Just like any other motorists, bike riders need to follow road guidelines and safety measures to prevent accidents. rnThe following are principles on road safety that bike riders should ensure:rn1. Fundamental rule: wear a helmet. Most deaths occurring from bike injuries are a result of head traumas. Helmets should be worn to reduce the impact of any head injury that may happen. Helmets should fit well and should be replaced after five years to ensure good quality.rn2. Use other bicycle safety equipment such as reflective clothing to make other motorists notice you.rn3. Check your bicycle before any ride. It is essential to ensure functioning of the breaks and other parts before using it. Also, consider servicing every now and then to change and repair parts. Maintenance prevents any vehicle faults that would lead to accidents. rn4. Choose the appropriate bicycle for you. It should provide comfort while riding. The height and length should also coincide with the body frame. Too small or too large bikes pose accident risks.rn5. Warm up before any road encounters. Basic stretching and walking prevents muscle cramps that may occur while you’re on the road. rn6. Be noticed all the time. Use clip on lights to help you stand out in the road, especially during late afternoons, rainy days or early morning hours. Also, use bicycle reflectors on wheels and frames.rn7. Follow traffic rules. Bike riders are one of the most complained riders because most of them do not follow traffic rules and even cycle against the direction of traffic. There are no disadvantages of complying with the rules. It also makes driving safer for the bike rider as well as other motorists.rn8. Ensure stability. Bikes are not stable because they only have two aligned wheels. Always keep both hands on the handle bars.rn9. Always give signals to cars and fellow bike riders. Use hand signals and avoid sudden breaks and changing of tracks. rn10. Always bike in groups as much as possible. A large group is easier to notice.rn11. Always carry these items with every ride: • Mobile phonesrn• IDrn• Moneyrn• Safety bandsrn These items are very helpful during emergency situations. Mobile phones should contain numbers of people to contact in case of emergency. Safety bands include medical information, contact numbers of significant person, and other information needed during an emergency.rn12. Ensure adequate experience in bike riding before going into public roads. rn13. Increase awareness of surroundings. Be aware of road debris, poor lit places, and uneven surfaces and opening of car doors. rn14. Never ride a bicycle when drunk. Alcohol intoxication makes the gait imbalanced, added by unstable vehicle, increases the chances of an accident. In case of road accidents, follow these simple steps: • Remain calm. Being calm prevents further injury and irrational decisions. It will also allow a person to handle the situation properly. • Go to a safer zone in the road. Go to the side of the road or redirect traffic if you are not the one injured. It is best to ensure that other injuries are prevented. • Check any injuries. Assess your level of consciousness, any pain in the body or bleeding. Identify any injury yourself so it would be easier to report your condition when medical services arrive. • Contact emergency services. Give details about yourself, what happened and what are you feeling. The emergency response team can give efficient care when they are informed about your condition. Preventing road accidents is better because accidents from bicycles in the road are usually life-threatening. Bike riders should remember that the smaller the vehicle is, the more vulnerable the driver is when on the road so safety precautions should always be instituted.