If you live in a built-up area, you probably have little choice but to exercise in close proximity to traffic. That’s not ideal from a safety perspective, and will put you at greater risk of being injured or even killed by a careless driver.
Cyclists are in an even more precarious position, whether you’re keeping fit, training for an event, or just commuting to work. So with that in mind, here are some tips to keep you out of harm’s way.
New York and Chicago are the most dangerous cities for cyclists
The most important safety tip of all is knowing that there are threats to your safety out there, so that you can appreciate why you need to alter your behavior to avoid them.
If you live in NYC and you ride a bike, you’re more likely to be involved in a collision than anywhere else in the country.
Meanwhile you can see here for more info on why Chicago is the second most dangerous city for cycling crashes.
What you wear matters
Athletic clothing and cycling gear is not just brightly colored to keep up with current fashions, but so that the wearer is made as visible as possible to others when they’re out training.
As well as investing in high quality equipment, you can go the extra mile by adding reflective arm bands and a head torch to your arsenal of safety-conscious clothing. You might not feel particularly stylish, but at least you’ll be easy to spot.
When you train is significant
Generally speaking, it’s a bad idea to train near traffic during the busiest periods of the day, so if your schedule permits it you should really aim to do so when it’s quieter on the roads.
Timing is also important in terms of ambient lighting. Early in the morning and late in the evening when the light of the sun isn’t especially strong, you’ll be in greater danger of getting hit by a car or truck. Thus it’s usually wise to change your training routine in the winter to accommodate this reality and still live a healthy lifestyle.
Looking after your bike makes a difference
For cyclists, a well maintained bike is a must-have. This isn’t just about ensuring that it doesn’t suffer a fault at an inconvenient moment, but also about keeping you safe.
You should check things like the tire pressure, tread levels and brakes before every single training session. That way if you need to make any emergency maneuvers, you’ll be able to do so with confidence.
Keeping a safe distance is key
Tailgating is a no-no if you’re driving a car, and is doubly dangerous if you’re running or cycling on public roads.
Being too close to the vehicle in front will give you less time to react if they slam on the brakes. Instead, create a safe distance between you, and also make sure that there is sufficient room on either side of you as well, to sidestep common accident scenarios.
Staying calm is important
It’s normal to feel frustration if another road user doesn’t behave in a considerate or legal way. However, if you let your temper get the better of you, you’ll be just as bad as them, and you will also be putting your safety on the line.
Take a deep breath, remove yourself from tense situations, and be the bigger person, rather than giving in to road rage.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t risk your safety in pursuit of your training targets, so when running or cycling near traffic, take the aforementioned precautions and learn from past mistakes as well.
