Riding bikes now a time is not that safe as you might assume. Especially, for a city cyclist. With the increasing rate of vehicles surrounding the cityscape, it becomes difficult for any daily commuter to ride their bicycles safely.
As per the latest report published by iihs.org, Each year around 2% of motor vehicle deaths are from cyclists. And that’s a pretty big number.
Therefore, In this article, I’ll highlight some of the dangers that every city cyclist must be aware of.
1. Riding Without Helmet
It’s pretty common not having helmets while riding bikes. And the biggest reason for this is ignorance. People tend to think that riding something which doesn’t have any motor or engine is “safe” but let me correct you it’s your “ignorance”
On average around 500-600 people die every year because of not wearing a helmet compared to 100-200 people who die while wearing a helmet.
The helmet only costs dimes and doesn’t weigh much. I humbly request you to always wear a helmet while riding bikes.
2. Roundabouts
Yes, Roundabouts. It’s one of the most common places for accidents. Especially, for city cyclists. The most common cause for accidents occurring on roundabouts is because of numerous exits.
Motor cars and other vehicles usually neglect cyclists while making turns. Therefore, they usually unsee city cyclists and make turns while overtaking them. When they make a short turn then cyclists are left with no room to turn and both get crashed.
3. Riding Without Proper Gears
When it’s just a short distance ride then riding with gears could be overlooked but not in the case of long-distance riding. Gears could be as follows:
- Tire Levers
- Spare Tube
- Lights
- Water (Hydration)
- Gloves
- First-Aid Kit
- Eye protection (Sunglasses, Clear Lenses), And so on.
4. Wearing Headphones (Earphone)
Another most common phenomenon for city cyclist’s accidents is wearing an earphone while riding a bicycle. I understand that you do want to complete that audiobook and want to listen to some music or podcast but It can wait for a few minutes, right?
When you wear a pair of headphones you technically isolate yourself from noises around you, and while riding the bike It’s not a very good choice. This means you won’t be able to hear that honk from the fast car which is about to overtake you while you are enjoying your music.
As a city cyclist, you have to stay aware of your surroundings as much as you can. Nothing is more important than your safety.
5. Irregularity of Bike’s Maintenance
Just as riding with proper gears and helmet are essential, maintenance and inspection of a bicycle are also essential.
To make sure that your all trips stay safe, you have to look out for that pre-inspection of loose chain or unbalanced wheel.
Most common bicycle’s inspection are:
- Screws and Bolts Tightness
- Tire Pressure & Wheel Balancing
- Brake Condition/Brake Check
- Seat Height & Handle Bar Height
- Lubrication Check
- Light Check (If Equipped)
6. Pollution
Another danger for a city cyclist is Pollution. And to be more specific I am talking about pollution from other vehicles.
For example, When you ride in the capital in a rush-hour traffic time but certainly unaware of it, you breathe in twice as many black carbon particles as compared to others.
Masks are one solution but I’ll recommend avoiding traffic areas when possible.
And this brings me to the end of this post. Please let me know your thoughts on this and also share this post with your friends and family. Stay Tuned