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Safety is the most important thing. All the best
things about bikes will be worth nothing if you're no longer
alive to enjoy them or end up in hospital.
Biking is dangerous; we won't pretend otherwise.
but there is absolutely loads you can do to minimise the
risks
and have years of trouble free biking. Many bikers take stupid
risks and it's no doubt that some end up in hospital, or
worse.
Here are a few practical tips:
get trained. Don't think you know it all. do your
cbt even if you don't have
to and go for your full licence as soon as possible. Nothing
will beat expert advice from professionals.
think. On a bike you just can't relax. If you want
to daydream or plan a holiday on the way to work then please
get the bus or the train.
don't be an idiot. Sounds simple eh ? but we've all
done stuff then thought about it and it's been scary. Over-taking
when you shouldn't or squeezing through a gap that's only
just wide enough.
consider your priorities. Is getting home or to work
2 minutes earlier really worth risking your life ? Nope.
Just remember that you are already saving hours per week over
the poor dupes in cars and on public transport so what's
a couple of minutes ?
Go at your own pace. Don't let other bikers dictate
your pace. If another bike wants to get by then let him. Riding
in a group can be fun and re-assuring and it can also be a
real pain. I've even pulled over to let a gaggle of bikes
get away.
don't drink and ride. Do I need to explain ? Judgement,
reactions etc. Drink all you like, but don't get on the bike
after a drop.
speed. Another obvious one, but how quickly can you
stop ? How fast can you take a bend ? Think about it.
equipment. Wear the right gear. I'm amazed what I
see some people wearing. I once pulled up alongside a girl
on a scooter wearing high heeled shoes, no gloves and no eye
protection. It made me shudder. Please see our equipment
section.
don't undertake. Going up the inside of cars is simply
stupid. you are invisible and cars will turn left across you,
stop and let cars turning right across you, parked cars will
open doors and pedestrians will step out. yes, it's tempting,
but it's a real risk and one that causes many accidents.
beware the boy-racer. They want to beat you: they
won't give you any space: they are a danger to bikes. Pull
up along side a 1980's GTi, XR2/3 etc driven by a young lad
then just let them go first. You'll overtake them at the next
lights.
dominate your lane. Even if you're on a 50cc doing
30 mph, don't ride in the gutter. You've got as much right
to use the road as everyone else. Apart from the fact that
the gutter is bumpy, wet and full of leaves and twigs, if
you ride there than that's where you'll stay. dominating your
lane means riding in the middle of it, or perhaps slightly
to the right of the centre. cars will do everything to get
past you even if there's another car in front. They will even
go up your inside if you're too far to the right.
be heard. Your bike has a horn, so don't be afraid
to use it. If you're unsure whether another vehicle about
to pull out hasn't seen you then make your presence known
with a few beeps.
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