TO BE SEEN OR NOT TO BE SEEN THAT IS THE QUESTION:
Posted in General
Recent government statistics show that cyclists are 14 times more likely to be injured than car drivers – per mile travelled on British Roads.
Wearing a helmet will do absolutely nothing to prevent you from getting hit by a car. Sure, helmets might help you if you get hit, but your #1 goal should be to avoid getting hit in the first place.
Here are some simple tips to keeping yourself safe with riding on the roads.
- Wear a reflective vest: High quality reflective gear makes you a lot more visible even in the day time, not just at night. Bike shops have vests for as little as £19.99 and jackets for as little as £59.99. Also when you hear a motorist approaching, straightening up into a vertical position will make your reflective gear more noticeable.
- Get a rear light. If you’re riding at night, you absolutely should use a flashing red rear light. Statistics show that 60% of bike collisions are caused by cyclists riding at night without lights. You can buy a rear light for as little as £10.00 to £15.00
- Get a mirror and use it. Especially when riding in urban areas with heavy congestion. A mirror will allow you to be able to see what is coming up behind you and allow you to move if necessary. In the 4 seconds you use to turn your head to see what is coming behind you not only could you hit something you could veer as your head moves? Recent studies showed that cyclists who used a mirror felt their paranoia was reduced significantly when using a bike mirror. If you’re not convinced, after you’ve used your mirror for a month, take it off your bike and ride around and notice how you keep glancing down to where your mirror was, and notice how unsafe you feel without it. Most stores will sell bike mirrors for as little as £14.99
Follow the above steps to help lower the risk of accidents
