Cycling around Oxford with style
1. Bell.
A good bell is indispensable for warning pedestrians about your presence. Once you have a bell, you will wonder how you ever managed without one. The problem is that most pedestrians are used to hearing traffic and so they don’t bother to look. If you shout at a pedestrian they will feel offended.
2. Wait at Red Lights
Many cyclists feel that traffic lights don’t apply to them. However, to ride through a red traffic light is both dangerous and also gives cyclists a bad reputation. If caught you could be fined by a passing policeman. The real temptation comes when you come to a pedestrian crossing when no one is crossing. If no one is around you may feel it is ok to slowly cycle through. If you do just check over your shoulder; you could always get off and walk through the red light.
3. Be Prepared for the Worst to happen
Don’t expect people, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists to do what they are supposed to. Always anticipate the fact people may do crazy things. A good example, when cycling past parked cars, people may open the door without looking for cyclists. If it is safe, give yourself enough room, especially if you see people who have just parked.
4. Signal and obey Highway code.
Sometimes it may feel difficult to signal whilst cycling. However, it makes a big difference to your own safety. Practise signalling on a quiet road, so that you have the confidence to cycle with one arm.
5. Working Bike
Check your bike is in fully working order. Not just brakes but also gears and drive chain should work freely. Make sure they is nothing loose, like a piece of clothing. If something gets stuck in the wheel it might send you head over first into the road.
6. Lights and reflective clothing.
When you drive you realise how difficult it is to pick out cyclists. Even in the middle of the day, cyclists can be inconspicuous. Cycling in town is dangerous, so make sure you are fully visible. You wouldn’t think of driving a car without lights – so why do the same for cycling?
7. Get a good Road Bike.
Get a good road bike, with thin tyres, then you can burn off all the other cyclists from the traffic lights and boost your ego.
Photo by Tejvan Pettinger
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