Top ten tips for cycling safe and avoiding serious personal injury

Although in 2007 we are experiencing less of a summer in the UK instead we're living through something which is more like a winter punctuated by the occasional heat wave this is the time of year that, historically, us Brits like to take to our bikes for a bit of a roam around.

Cycling is the preferred mode of transport in a number of countries, most notably in the Netherlands, and in particular, their capital, Amsterdam. There are a number of reasons why people enjoy cycling, including its environmental friendliness, versatility and cost-efficiency along with the bonus of exercise.

In an age where carbon emissions and weight gain are two of the most frequently reported issues in the media, taking to the saddle seems like a plan. However, just because your are on a bike it doesn't mean that you can throw caution to the wind and start taking risks that could lead to serious personal injury.

Highlighted below are a number of safety measures that YouClaim, the personal injury specialists, believe that cyclists should take:

Size matters
First and foremost you should always make sure you choose a bike suitable for your personal size both height and weight. Bicycles come in all shapes and sizes just like the people who ride them, with child and adult models for males and females.

Before purchasing a bike it is a good idea to try it for size in the shop and make sure that you adjust the seat and handle bars for comfort and practicality before taking to the road. You would be surprised at just how many people climb on the saddle and take to busy roads without being able to even touch the floor, which could lead to serious personal injury were they to make a sudden stop.

Put a lid on it
It is also a very good idea to wear a safety approved cycle helmet whenever cycling. Whether you are going mountain biking for miles or just popping down to the corner shop, you could fall from your bike onto the road or rocky track and sustain a serious head injury. Unfortunately, many cyclists still resist wearing protective head wear and take the risk of ending up with a debilitating brain injury or similar on a daily basis.

Light your way
According to research, a great number of cyclists are also risking taking to the roads without having lights or reflectors. The law in the UK states that bicycles must conform to the pedal cycles (construction and use) regulations, the road vehicle lighting regulations, and at night must display the following:

One steady, fixed white light positioned centrally or offside and up to 1500mm from the ground, aligned towards and visible from the front.

One steady, fixed red light positioned centrally or offside and between 350mma and 1500 from the ground, aligned towards and visible from the back.

One red reflector positioned centrally or offside and between 350mm and 900mm from the ground at or near the rear, aligned towards and visible from behind.

Four amber reflectors positioned so that one is plainly visible to the front and another to the rear of each pedal.

All lights must be BS6102/3 or equivalent and all reflectors must be marked BS6102/2 or equivalent.

Be seen, be safe
Making you visible is just as important as making your bike seen. One of the most effective ways of making yourself visible to other motorists is to wear colourful clothing that would catch a motorist's eye were they to catch a glimpse of you in their rear view mirror. At night especially, it is advisable to wear clothing that features reflective strips. Some jackets are made with such features as standard but strips that can be either stuck or sewn on are also available.

Be aware of other traffic
It is paramount that you are aware of all other traffic on the roads at all times and that if you are travelling on a fairly quiet road are aware that a car could come around a bend or up behind you at speed at any time. It is wise to keep your eyes and ears open, so all cyclists who listen to your MP3 players while on your bike could be putting themselves at risk.

When pulling out you should use the same principals as a driver mirror, signal, manoeuvre. While only some bicycles will have mirrors fitted you can replace this step by having a good look up and down the road you are planning to ride on. You should then give a clear hand signal so any drivers are aware of which direction you are planning to cycle in before setting off.

Good service
Just as you would with a car, it is important to maintain the condition of your bike. You should service it regularly, carrying out safety checks such as checking the brakes work, the brake cables are well connected and untangled, making sure that the tyres are adequately pumped and that your chain is well oiled.

Any malfunction with your bicycle could lead to a road accident. For example, were a car to suddenly pull out in front of you and you squeezed your brakes to stop yourself colliding with the vehicle, and only one brake was functioning, you may either be flung over the handle bars into the road or not stop in time and hit the car with impact, sustaining all manner of serious personal injuries.

This article may be published on another website free of charge, on the condition that a link is provided from this article to our website: http://www.youclaim.co.uk/personal-injury/personal-injury-customer-stories.htm

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