by Jed Eane

Created on: April 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 01, 2007

Most cycling safety is a matter of common sense. You wouldn't drive a car if you thought that it wasn't road worthy, so firstly consider the bike you're going to be using.

Before checking the mechanics of the bike, make sure that it's the right size for your height. There are a lot of people out there I see who, I imagine, experience a less than enjoyable ride because the bike they're riding isn't the right size. A bike that's too small means that your knees will probably knock into the handlebars as you peddle, and your legs won't get a proper stretch; and if the bike's too big then your lower body will move in the saddle and this could lead to niggling aches in your hips: also, a bike that's too big might be difficult to control, which could prove dangerous, especially if cycling in traffic. You can lower and raise the seat to an extent, but essentially the bike frame should be suitable. The best way to find out is to take a bike for a test run before buying - most reputable cycle shops will allow you to do this, and will have an area for this purpose, others will be happy for you to take the bike out onto a nearby road and test it there. If buying brand new then take the advice of the people in the cycle shop - in my experience they really do know what they are talking about, and they will be able to advise on what sort of bike - the size of frame, etc - you should buy.

If you're buying a second hand bike, then checking the mechanics of the bike is especially important, so check that the brakes work and that the pads aren't too worn. If they are, these can easily be replaced, or take the bike into a cycle shop that repairs bikes and they'll do it for you (for a small fee of course!). Check that the tread on the tyres is good - no bald patches or chunks of tyre missing - and that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure (psi): some tyres have this labelled on the side, although as a general rule you usually find that the pressure that's needed is a bit more than you can pump into the tyres without actually fainting! For this reason, a foot pump is a wise investment as it takes a lot of the real hard work out of inflating the tyres.

As for a helmet, it's a strictly personal matter. As we're talking biking safety here, I would advise wearing one, but I have to admit that I cycled almost every day for 20 years before I had a change of heart and got myself one. If you do decide to cycle with a helmet buy a brand new one and make sure it's the right fit. It's probably best to go to a reputable bike store and pick one out - you can try it out for size before buying (as opposed to picking something out online, although if you do do that, make sure you can return it if it doesn't fit).

In the dark, lights are absolutely essential, and some form of reflective bodywear is good (a 'Sam Brown'-style sash, or waistcoat, for example). Check your lights regularly so you know when to replace the batteries.

Get your bike serviced regularly - a full service every six months is adequate, and will help prolong the life of your bike.

When cycling in traffic be assertive (which isn't the same as arrogant!), and make eye contact with motorists as often as possible - that way they know that you know they've seen you and it helps to establish each road user's space. Don't jump red lights at pedestrian crossings unless you are absolutely certain that there are no pedestrians crossing, or about to cross and it's safe to go - for you and any others. Don't jump red lights at busy road junctions though - you might think you know the lights sequence and have enough time to make it, but you've got to account for the motorist who might be thinking exactly the same!

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