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Safety tips for cyclists
- By ILS corp
- Published 05/10/2009
- ILSTV Stories
- Unrated
It's May and the weather is finally cooperating in most of Canada.
May 11 to 17 marks the annual Bike to Work Week in British Columbia so cyclists and drivers need to be cautious.
There are approximately 1,300 crashes and 1,400 injuries involving cyclists each year in BC. ICBC has offered cyclists five road safety tips to help stay safe.
ICBC says cyclists should brighten up: Bright, reflective clothing is the best option for the rider, while the bicycle itself needs to have lights as well.
Don't rush, says ICBC: Remember to stop and look in all directions before cycling out of an intersection, driveway or lane. The majority of all children's cycling crashes are caused by the child riding out onto a roadway without looking.
Remember to always wear an approved bicycle helmet that meets safety standards - it's the law in BC and you could be fined for not wearing one. Bike helmets alone could prevent up to 85 percent of serious injuries, which account for 80 percent of all bicycle-related deaths.
Also, get well positioned: Position yourself so other road users can easily see you - don't weave in and out of traffic. Importantly, ensure you always avoid riding in blind spots of other road users. Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road and in single file.
And finally, ICBC says be defensive: While it is fine to ride in an assertive manner, cyclists need to think and look well ahead - remember, a conflict between a bicycle and a motor vehicle usually results in injury to the cyclist.
May 11 to 17 marks the annual Bike to Work Week in British Columbia so cyclists and drivers need to be cautious.
There are approximately 1,300 crashes and 1,400 injuries involving cyclists each year in BC. ICBC has offered cyclists five road safety tips to help stay safe.
ICBC says cyclists should brighten up: Bright, reflective clothing is the best option for the rider, while the bicycle itself needs to have lights as well.
Don't rush, says ICBC: Remember to stop and look in all directions before cycling out of an intersection, driveway or lane. The majority of all children's cycling crashes are caused by the child riding out onto a roadway without looking.
Remember to always wear an approved bicycle helmet that meets safety standards - it's the law in BC and you could be fined for not wearing one. Bike helmets alone could prevent up to 85 percent of serious injuries, which account for 80 percent of all bicycle-related deaths.
Also, get well positioned: Position yourself so other road users can easily see you - don't weave in and out of traffic. Importantly, ensure you always avoid riding in blind spots of other road users. Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road and in single file.
And finally, ICBC says be defensive: While it is fine to ride in an assertive manner, cyclists need to think and look well ahead - remember, a conflict between a bicycle and a motor vehicle usually results in injury to the cyclist.