"Bicycle safety is the use of road traffic safety practices to reduce risk associated with cycling."
Learn about the rules of the road, how to ride defensively with traffic, how to signal and communicate with drivers and other cyclists on the road.
Helmet fitting: The proper fit of a helmet can significantly reduce the severity of head injuries in a crash.
Traffic laws and signaling: Understanding and obeying traffic laws while riding and signaling intentions to other road users.
Bicycle maintenance: Keep your wheels spinning smoothly with regular maintenance, including checking tire pressure and maintaining brakes.
Visibility: Understanding how to increase your visibility to other road users with bright clothing and reflectors in low-light situations.
Risk assessment: Understanding and assessing the risks that come with different riding environments and knowing how to reduce those risks.
Riding in groups: Understanding group dynamics and effective communication when riding in a group.
Road sharing: Knowing how to share the road safely and courteously with other road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
Cycling infrastructure: Understanding the benefits of dedicated cycling infrastructure and how to use it effectively when available.
Bicycle handling skills: Developing the necessary skills to control your bike during normal riding, cornering, emergency maneuvers, and dealing with obstacles.
Weather and riding conditions: Understanding how weather and other environmental conditions can affect your riding and how to adapt accordingly.
First aid and emergency response: Knowledge of basic first-aid techniques and who to call in an emergency.
Choosing the right gear: Choosing the appropriate gear for your riding environment and skill level.
Distracted driving: Recognizing and avoiding distracted driving to prevent harm to both yourself and other road users.
Defensive cycling: Learning how to anticipate and avoid potential hazards, including aggressive drivers and poor road conditions.
Planning your route: Researching, selecting, and navigating the safest and most efficient routes for your cycling journey.
Helmet Safety: Wearing a helmet while cycling can prevent head injuries in the event of an accident.
Visibility Safety: Cyclists should wear bright clothing and use reflective gear or lights to increase their visibility to drivers.
Traffic Safety: Cyclists should obey traffic laws and signals to prevent collisions with vehicles.
Hand Signal Safety: Proper use of hand signals while cycling can alert drivers and other cyclists of the rider's intentions.
Road Surface Safety: Cyclists should take care when cycling on uneven or wet road surfaces to avoid accidents.
Bike Maintenance Safety: Regular bike maintenance can prevent accidents caused by mechanical failure.
Group Riding Safety: When cycling in a group, communication and following proper formation can prevent accidents.
Intersection Safety: Cyclists should take caution and look both ways when crossing intersections.
Weather Safety: Cyclists should be aware of weather conditions and adjust their riding accordingly to avoid accidents.
Communication Safety: Cyclists should use verbal or nonverbal communication to alert others of their presence or intentions.
"Risk can be defined as the number of incidents occurring for a given amount of cycling."
"Some of this subject matter is hotly debated: for example, which types of cycling environment or cycling infrastructure is safest for cyclists."
"The merits of obeying the traffic laws and using bicycle lighting at night are less controversial."
"Wearing a bicycle helmet may reduce the chance of head injury in the event of a crash."
"Most bicycling fatalities occur as a result of collision with a motor vehicle."
"Studies in multiple countries have found that drivers are at fault in the majority of these crashes."
"The purpose of road traffic safety practices is to reduce risk associated with cycling."
"Risk can be quantified as the number of incidents occurring for a given amount of cycling."
"Some factors that are debated include which types of cycling environment or cycling infrastructure is safest for cyclists."
"Obeying the traffic laws and using bicycle lighting at night are considered less controversial."
"Wearing a bicycle helmet may reduce the chance of head injury in the event of a crash."
"Collision with a motor vehicle is the leading cause of bicycling fatalities."
"Drivers are at fault in the majority of crashes involving cyclists."
"The main objective of road traffic safety practices is to reduce the associated risk of cycling."
"Risk is measured as the number of incidents occurring for a given amount of cycling."
"The safety of different types of cycling environments or infrastructure is highly debated."
"Obeying traffic laws and using proper lighting at night are widely accepted practices."
"Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the likelihood of head injuries in the event of a crash."
"The majority of bicycling fatalities occur when cyclists collide with motor vehicles, with drivers being found at fault in most cases."