Choose the right bike
Choosing the right bike for the purpose plays an important part in the prevention of bike accidents. Riding a bike that is either to large or too small could impair your stability making an accident more likely.
Be aware
Cyclists have to keep their wits about them as the hazards they encounter are many and varied. These dangers include:
Other Road Users
Drivers are not always as observant as they should be, or are simply just inconsiderate, and most cyclists have tales to tell of vehicles driving out of side roads into their path, cutting them up or driving too close. Unfortunately, if cyclists want to avoid a bike accident in which they will undoubtedly come off worst, they have to be on their guard when riding in traffic and especially when approaching junctions, side roads or when using roundabouts.
Potholes and poorly maintained roads
Potholes pose a serious hazard to cyclists particularly in certain conditions when they may be difficult to see and therefore to avoid. Heavy rain or snow can fill a pothole making it invisible to cyclists and poor or missing street lighting can reduce visibility and increase the risk of having a bike accident.
Missing drain covers
As the price of scrap metal has soared, so too has the incidence of theft of manhole and drainage covers. If their theft goes unnoticed or they are not quickly replaced they present a danger to unwary cyclists particularly as they are usually sited in the part of the road most used by bikes.
Obstacles
Poor lighting at road works, barriers and signage left in the road as well as overhanging trees are hazards which cyclists have to contend with. Cycle paths, routes and roads should have sufficient headroom for bike riders and motorcyclists to pass under. Local councils and home and land owners should ensure that trees and shrubs are kept cut back.
Insurers Bureau (MIB) for compensation. The MIB, which was set up to compensate accident victims of untraced or uninsured drivers, made the award because the accident was caused by the negligence of an untraced driver and could have been preventable.
Diesel spilled on the road is extremely slippery and almost impossible to see especially when it is dark or the road is wet. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable and more likely to be seriously or fatally injured if they loose control on slippery road surfaces but drivers of cars and cyclists can also make a claim if they suffer injury after skidding on a spillage.
Maintaining your bike
Ensuring your bike is safe to ride is a sure way of helping to prevent a bike accident. Maintaining a bike properly after regularly checking tyres, gears and brakes is a simple and cheap way to a better and safer ride.
To ensure that your bike is ready to to be ridden follow these ten easy steps
1. Pump your tyres until they are too hard to squeeze. This will make cycling easier and faster, and will also reduce the risk of punctures.
2. Have a quick look at your tyres before every ride. Replace worn or damaged tyres to avoid getting punctures.
3. Check your brakes. They should stop the wheel fully when you have pulled the lever only part of the way to the handlebars,
4. Check that your brakes don’t rub against the rim of the wheel. This will slow you down and make cycling harder.
5. Oil your chain regularly. If it squeaks or is brown it needs some oil. A properly oiled chain will help your gears shift smoothly.
6. Your bike should be pretty much silent. Squeaks, rattles and scraping noises suggest that something is in need of attention.
7. Prolong your bike’s life by keeping it under cover or preferably indoors when not in use.
8. Make sure that your seat is at the right height. Having it too low will make cycling hard work and may make your knees sore.
9. Make sure that your gears change smoothly. To adjust them correctly it is a good idea to get help from a professional.
10. Turn your bike upside down and check your wheels spin smoothly and sit securely in the sockets. If the wheel wobbles or doesn’t look like a perfect circle then you will need expert advice.
