How does one safely travel through a city on a bicycle?
- Follow all the rules a car needs to follow on the road.
- Research your countries laws about bike travel and follow them.
- Don’t wear headphones or listen to music at loud volumes.
- Put lights both in the front and rear of your bike.
- Use either a road or commuter bike.
- Use a bike that is right for your size.
- Don’t think of a bike lane as a sure-fire safe zone.
- Avoid main roads if you are still new to city-biking.
- Use Google Maps to find the best cycling directions.
- Don’t upset car owners.
One of the most beautiful and safest places to live in Metro Manila is BGC. With multiple gorgeous condos for sale, The Fort and many of its attractions could just be a walk or a bike ride away! This is definitely safe to do since the city having one of the lowest crime rates in the Philippines. Also, the traffic is never too much. These healthier and greener form of commute are a great way to save some money on bus fares and parking fees.
While walking is given basic skill that all can do easily, you need more knowledge in order to bike around a city without endangering yourself. Here are a few safety tips you should know:
Follow Basic Road Rules and Special Bike Rules
Anyone should know their basic laws when it comes to travelling around the city. This is more common for car owners and the everyday pedestrian to know but there are also special laws for bicyclists. You must know what safety precautions your government requires any bike rider to take: what safety gear must be use, how to overtake, where to travel, etc.
But one rule of thumb to follow when riding a bike in a city is this: act like you’re in a car. This means that you should apply all the rules a car owner must follow to yourself. Thus, you must not run a red light, cut people off abruptly, turn from the wrong lane, etc. One important thing that you must read up on is if your country allows a single bicyclist to take up the center of the lane; as if he’s a whole car. This is done in some areas to keep bikers safe from side swipes.
You may also find that some sidewalks don’t allow bikes because it congests it and makes it unsafe for people to walk as well.
Assume Nothing from Cars
When one wishes to travel by bike, then he must always be aware of his surroundings. A good mindset for this is to think that drivers and their passengers don’t see you. This is especially true when you are in the blind spot of a car’s mirror and peripherals. It will greatly help if you research where a car’s blind spots are and avoid those when you ride.
Since most bike lanes are on the right side of the road, the tendency is that cars will cut you off when you intend to go straight in an intersection. Always assume that every car beside you is going to turn right.
Lastly, look out for the silhouettes inside parked cars. The driver or passengers can open their doors at any moment and cause you to either crash on the door or do a sudden turn. Slow down when you approach parked cars from the side.
Basically, always be sure of cars’ actions before you take yours. Don’t assume that they will make way for you.
Basic City-Biking Tips
Now that you’re in the right mindset, here are a few more basic tips for biking in the city:
- Don’t wear headphones or listen to music at loud volumes.
- Put lights both in the front and rear of your bike.
- Use either a road or commuter bike.
- Use a bike that is right for your size.
- Never think of a bike lane as a sure-fire safe zone.
- Avoid main roads if you are still new to city-biking.
- Use Google Maps to find the best cycling directions.
- Don’t upset car owners.
Key Takeaway
As long as you are aware and smart, you can safely use your bike to travel through a city. Take the time to study the commute laws, to practice, and to perfect the mindful mindset. In no time, you will have healthy and cost-efficient daily commutes to and from your condo.