Tips and Resources for Safe Cycling
Bike safety is so much more than just tossing on a helmet and watching out for cars. Taking a cycling safety course is always a great idea no matter what your experience level - beginners will gain knowledge and confidence, and even seasoned cyclists can use a refresher on the rules of the road every now and then. In Metro Vancouver, the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition offers courses that include hands-on practice and information geared for commuters.
If you're new to cycling, it's definitely worthwhile to read Bike Sense, which is the BC bicycle operator's manual. It goes over traffic regulations and also provides safety advice not explicitly stated in the law.
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition offers courses that include hands-on practice and information geared for commuters.
Of course, if you have kids you'll want to ensure they learn how to ride their bikes safely and understand traffic rules. The Hub for Action on School Transportation Emissions (HASTE) is an excellent resource with detailed pages on bike safety and tips that are specifically geared for school-aged kids.
Here are a few more general cycling safety tips from the Centre for Cycling Education:
- Be Manoeuvrable: Create a buffer zone for yourself. A good rule of thumb is to ride about a metre away from the curb. This will give you enough room so you can get around or even avoid obstacles.
- Be Visible: You should be wearing bright colours and your bicycle should be outfitted with really good lights. The goal is to be seen by everyone around you, from ahead as well as from behind.
- Be Predictable. Always try to ride in a steady, straight line. Weaving makes your actions less predictable, which distracts others on the road and makes you a liability.
- Be Communicative. Remember: You're sharing the road! Always make an effort to communicate your presence and intentions with those around you - position yourself prominently on the road, shoulder check, signal, make eye contact, wave to signal a turn or even a "thank you", and use your voice or a bell where appropriate.
- Be Calm. If you ride often enough, you will eventually come across an irate motorist. Stay calm. Do not shout back, do not gesture rudely, do not do anything that might place yourself or others on the road in danger. If you've been cycling safely up to this point and aren't being directly threatened, the best course of action is to calmly and safely continue on your way.
Other Resources
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Bikes not Bombs promotes bicycle technology and recycling as a means to community empowerment and an alternative to war and environmental destruction. Their online safety manual covers topics ranging from how to properly put on your helmet to how to safely ride in traffic.
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Cycling in Cities is a UBC research program that investigates factors that encourage (or discourage) urban cycling as well as factors that lead to injuries to cyclists.
Do you have a story or tip to add about cycling safety? Add a comment below to tell us about your experience, insert your own tips or tricks, or post a question to start a conversation with other users.