August 09, 2022
Tips for Riding Safely on the Road
Bikes are the perfect way to get around your city or neighbourhood providing great exercise and a fantastic way to explore, get to the shops, school or work. There’s a few basic things to keep in mind to ensure you stay safe while getting about.
A front light and rear light are essential for when riding at night but also a great idea for day time use. Most accidents are caused by drivers not seeing riders and using bike lights will help you be much more visible to other road users. Similarly if you’re able to wear brighter coloured clothing this also helps increase your visibility. For more information on lights, see What You Need To Know When Buying Bike Lights.
As a bike rider you have the right to be on the road however this also means you need to obey the rules like all other road users, this means you must also stop at traffic lights, stop signs and when people are getting off trams. Use hand signals when turning to help let drivers know your intentions and be predictable. Ensure you’re polite to other road users and don’t weave in out out of traffic, unnecessarily block lanes or slow traffic flow unless there isn’t enough room for drivers to pass safely. In these situations “take the lane” by riding further out from the curb so you’re more visible or avoid a poorly surfaced road shoulder. Move to the left side of the road again when it’s safe to do so. If you need to turn right at a set of traffic lights a hook turn is a great idea to avoid the risk of crossing multiple lanes.
Don’t assume you know what a driver is going to do. Keep your distance from vehicles when possible and stay out of a drivers blind spot. Leaving some space between yourself and a vehicle is important if a driver makes any erratic decisions or turns in front of you without indicating. Making eye contact with drivers in side roads that are giving way to you is an excellent way to know you’ve been seen, if you’re unsure slow down. When riding past cars parked parallel, ride slower and allow extra room, usually about 1 metre between yourself and the parked car incase any doors suddenly swing open. Watch for Taxis and ride share vehicles that may not be parked yet have people opening doors and we suggest never passing a truck, bus or other large vehicle on the left. Getting use to riding with your hands on the brakes is also a good idea incase you need to suddenly stop.
Use bike paths and bike lanes when possible. We’re lucky to have seen a huge increase in the amount of bike paths and bike lanes in recent years. Staying off roads and riding on bike paths provides a much safer riding experience and really enjoyable ride thanks to many bike paths running through our fabulous native park land. Ensure you warn other users when passing with a bell when riding on bike paths. Choosing roads that have bike lanes provides extra space between yourself and other road users. The simple fact of a bike lane painted on the road also reminds drivers to look out for bikes along with the more frequent number of bikes drivers will see on these roads.
Finally and it goes without saying, always wear a proper bike helmet that meets Australian Safety Standards and make sure your bike is in a safe rideable condition. Pay particular attention to your tyre pressure, that your brakes are working safely and that your chain isn’t stiff or rusty. If it is, use some chain lube or replace your chain. Lastly check for any loose parts including your wheel axles, handlebars and head stem.
A front light and rear light are essential for when riding at night but also a great idea for day time use. Most accidents are caused by drivers not seeing riders and using bike lights will help you be much more visible to other road users. Similarly if you’re able to wear brighter coloured clothing this also helps increase your visibility. For more information on lights, see What You Need To Know When Buying Bike Lights.
As a bike rider you have the right to be on the road however this also means you need to obey the rules like all other road users, this means you must also stop at traffic lights, stop signs and when people are getting off trams. Use hand signals when turning to help let drivers know your intentions and be predictable. Ensure you’re polite to other road users and don’t weave in out out of traffic, unnecessarily block lanes or slow traffic flow unless there isn’t enough room for drivers to pass safely. In these situations “take the lane” by riding further out from the curb so you’re more visible or avoid a poorly surfaced road shoulder. Move to the left side of the road again when it’s safe to do so. If you need to turn right at a set of traffic lights a hook turn is a great idea to avoid the risk of crossing multiple lanes.
Don’t assume you know what a driver is going to do. Keep your distance from vehicles when possible and stay out of a drivers blind spot. Leaving some space between yourself and a vehicle is important if a driver makes any erratic decisions or turns in front of you without indicating. Making eye contact with drivers in side roads that are giving way to you is an excellent way to know you’ve been seen, if you’re unsure slow down. When riding past cars parked parallel, ride slower and allow extra room, usually about 1 metre between yourself and the parked car incase any doors suddenly swing open. Watch for Taxis and ride share vehicles that may not be parked yet have people opening doors and we suggest never passing a truck, bus or other large vehicle on the left. Getting use to riding with your hands on the brakes is also a good idea incase you need to suddenly stop.
Use bike paths and bike lanes when possible. We’re lucky to have seen a huge increase in the amount of bike paths and bike lanes in recent years. Staying off roads and riding on bike paths provides a much safer riding experience and really enjoyable ride thanks to many bike paths running through our fabulous native park land. Ensure you warn other users when passing with a bell when riding on bike paths. Choosing roads that have bike lanes provides extra space between yourself and other road users. The simple fact of a bike lane painted on the road also reminds drivers to look out for bikes along with the more frequent number of bikes drivers will see on these roads.
Finally and it goes without saying, always wear a proper bike helmet that meets Australian Safety Standards and make sure your bike is in a safe rideable condition. Pay particular attention to your tyre pressure, that your brakes are working safely and that your chain isn’t stiff or rusty. If it is, use some chain lube or replace your chain. Lastly check for any loose parts including your wheel axles, handlebars and head stem.