Safety

Phil Morton
February 2003
last updated 2007-03-27

Have you considered cycling as a means of transport but been deterred by the risks involved? Well, BFBC can help with that too!

Beyond Helmets

Helmets are a good idea, but you didn't really think that was all there is to it, did you?
Here's what BFBC has to say on the subject.

• Safe Today. Five things to remember about safety right now. Plus pointers to more material.
• Safer Tomorrow. Many more than five possible projects and plans to improve safety.
  Help us select the most practical ones. If you can help to turn a project into reality, that's even better.
• Safe Forever. Our vision of the long-term view on safety.

Safe Today

Five Basic Tips

• Pay attention.
  Anticipate. Things which might be threatening are easy to handle if you are alert to what's happening.
• Be visible.
  Don't creep along the edge of the road hoping motorists won't see you.
  They may not and that is definitely not a good thing.
  Ride to be visible. Wear bright colors. Dayglo yellow, lime green, and orange work well. Use a headlight, a taillight and reflectors at night.
  
• Learn how to co-exist with motorists and other road users. This does not mean avoiding traffic. It means taking part in the flow of traffic on equal terms with cars. Don't run red lights or stop signs even though it means giving up your momentum and having to get going all over again. Car drivers are not malicious, with very few exceptions. They're more like cattle - rather large and not very clued in.
  Accidents can happen if drivers are inattentive or distracted. Pay attention to the surprising things they do. And anticipate some unsafe behavior from them.
• Be predictable. Go in a straight line, signal when preparing to merge or turn. Use hand signals, eye contact and body language to communicate.
• Haste can waste you! Many accidents can be avoided by being patient and not riding too fast to take necessary precautions. Allow enough time to get to your destination without rushing.

More Information

Internet Resources

• Street Smarts is an excellent guide to general traffic sense.

Reading material

• Effective Cycling is the standard reference for managing yourself and your bicycle in all kinds of conditions.