To prevent cycling accidents, it’s crucial to understand the risks. While falls are the most common cycling accidents, collisions with traffic tend to be the most severe. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the risk of both types of accidents. Although bad driving will always occur on roads, we can only control our own cycling behavior and reactions.
“Defensive cycling” encompasses various strategies we can employ to maximise bike safety while riding.
As well as investing in the right bike safety equipment, you can prevent cycling accidents by honing your cycling skills and developing defensive cycling techniques.
Many cyclists are not always great at looking over their shoulder and giving an indication of where they are going. Develop the confidence to look over your shoulder; this is important for maneuvering, such as moving into an outside lane to turn right. Use clear hand signals to communicate your intentions to other road users: • Extend your left arm straight out to signal a left turn • Extend your right arm straight out to signal a right turn • Hold your arm down with your palm facing backward to signal slowing or stopping Practice these signals in a safe environment until they become second nature. By consistently using these techniques, you’ll greatly enhance your safety on the road.
Position yourself at least a metre from the kerb whilst cycling. This assertive road positioning makes you far more visible to other road users. Motorists are more likely to spot a cyclist riding confidently in the carriageway than one hugging the kerb’s edge.
Be very wary of riding on the inside of large vehicles, which is potentially a very dangerous move. Fatalities regularly occur because cyclists get caught in a driver’s blind spot when the truck turns left. Don’t take unnecessary chances to save a few seconds.
A car may be indicating to turn left, but it doesn’t mean the car will actually turn left. Therefore, it doesn’t mean it is safe for you to turn right. The car may have forgotten to turn off the indicator or if on a roundabout, they may be indicating for the next turn off. Don’t take chances, wait until you are certain.
Keep your distance when overtaking a stationary vehicle. Drivers don’t always look properly and just push a car door open into passing cyclists. It can be a very nasty accident to get ‘doored’.
Look through the windows of vehicles you are following if you can, for pedestrians and cars which may come out of side lanes.
Pedestrians can be unpredictable, crossing roads without looking because they cannot hear traffic. Be aware that they may stop dead if you ring your bell, so plan for this.
If a motorist makes you angry by behaving in a bad or dangerous way; it is best to avoid ‘escalating the situation’. If you maintain silence, they have nothing to escalate this. The best thing is to get the number plate and report illegal infractions. If people drive badly, they are rarely in a rational frame of mind so you need to maintain your cool.
Of course, if you have SeeMe PRO 360 lights fitted to your bike, the incident will be recorded in Full HD Video at 1080p quality, so you will be able to download video clips to support any complaint to Police.
Some roads are busier than others with traffic flying past at 50mph or more. Sometimes it is best to avoid these roads if you can.
There are occasions when you should consider using pavement and pedestrian crossings to avoid the most dangerous junction. If there are also lots of pedestrians around, it might just be best to get off and push your bike across the crossing.
A large number of problems occur simply because road users ignore basic common sense. Trying to save a few seconds, they take unnecessary risks.
If you ride defensively and with common sense, you can make your ride a whole lot safer. You can’t avoid all dangers, but you can minimise the risk.
Always focus completely on the road and traffic around you, and avoid doing anything that could distract you while you’re riding – such as listening to music or using your phone in any way.
In particular, do your best to anticipate what other road users might do before they do it.
Known as ‘defensive’ riding, this can help you to spot potential hazards as fast as possible, so that you can prevent cycling accidents.
Ultimately, it’s always safest to assume that other road users haven’t seen you.
The Highway Code doesn’t just apply to cars. Rather, it applies to all road users – including cyclists.
Abiding by the rules of the road isn’t just about being ‘good’ – it’s also about your safety.
With that in mind, make sure that you ride single file, on the correct side of the road and in the same direction as traffic and obey street signs, signals and road markings – just like you would if you were driving a car.
Contrary to the opinion of a small number of foolish cyclists, Red Traffic Lights mean STOP for ALL road users, including cyclists. In major cities, cyclists ignoring red lights are the number one reason that cyclists are considered “reckless” by other road users and pedestrians. If cyclists hope to lose this reckless tag, they need to stop this dangerous game of “Russian roulette”.
The more predictable you are on your bike, the easier it’ll be for other road users to pre-empt any potential hazards.
So, always ride where other road users will expect you to be – and signal and look over your shoulder before turning or changing lane position.
If you’re in an area where you’re permitted to ride on the pavement, be aware that motorists might not expect to see you there. So, take particular care when crossing driveways and other turnings in case cars don’t look for you when they’re backing out.
Just like it takes time, patience and practice to learn how to drive a vehicle safely, it also takes a lot of preparation to learn how to cycle in the safest way possible.
If you’re not an experienced cyclist, take some time to build your confidence and experience away from traffic first – for instance, in a park, on a cycle path or in an empty car park.
It’s also worth considering taking a cycling course to improve your skills.
Training programmes are available through providers such as Bikeability, TFL and Cycling UK.
In 70% of accidents you will hear the excuse from drivers “but, I didn’t see them…” Do your best to be highly visible. If you ride in dark clothes and no lights, you only increase the chance of being another accident statistic.
The most common types of cycling accidents include falls, collisions with vehicles, dooring (when a car door is opened into a cyclist’s path), and accidents caused by road hazards like potholes or debris.
To increase visibility, wear bright or reflective clothing, use front and rear lights on your bike (even during the day), and consider using additional reflectors or LED lights on your helmet, shoes, or backpack.
In most cases, it’s safer to ride on the road. Riding on sidewalks can be dangerous due to pedestrians, uneven surfaces, and drivers not expecting cyclists at intersections. However, always follow local laws regarding where cycling is permitted.
To avoid dooring, ride at least a door’s width away from parked cars, stay alert for people in parked vehicles, and watch for telltale signs like brake lights or movement inside cars that might indicate someone is about to open a door.
If you’re involved in an accident, first ensure your safety and seek medical attention if needed. Call the police to file a report, gather contact and insurance information from any other parties involved, document the scene with photos, and collect witness information if possible. It’s also advisable to have your bike inspected for damage before riding it again.
Preventing cycling accidents is a shared responsibility between cyclists and other road users. By following these essential tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and enjoy safer rides. Remember to always stay alert, visible, and predictable on the road. Equip yourself with proper safety gear, follow traffic rules, and continuously improve your cycling skills.
While we can’t control every aspect of our environment, we can control our actions and preparedness. By adopting defensive cycling techniques and maintaining a vigilant attitude, you’ll be better equipped to handle unexpected situations and avoid potential hazards.
Ultimately, safe cycling is about more than just following rules—it’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect and awareness among all road users. By doing your part to ride safely and responsibly, you’re not only protecting yourself but also contributing to a safer environment for everyone on the road.
