Cycling Safety Tips
A Workride guide to get you rolling…
Are you new to cycling, or has it been a while since you last jumped on a bike? Perhaps the thought of cycling in traffic feels daunting. This article offers cycling safety tips and practical advice you can implement on the road, trails, bike paths - so you can jump on the saddle with confidence!
Getting the right gear
Before you set off on your journey, having the right gear will make you more comfortable, safer and more visible.
Wearing a helmet is a legal requirement in NZ; make sure it is undamaged and fits you well; a properly fitted helmet significantly reduces the risk of injury. This Auckland Transport guide is a great starting point.
Bright, reflective clothing ensures you’re visible, especially during early mornings, evenings, or in rainy weather. Equip your bike with a white front light, a red rear light, GCN have a fantastic short video on the types of lights that are right for you.👉
Plan your ride
Even for experienced riders cycling amongst traffic is at best less enjoyable than cycling on segregated cycle paths or quieter roads. You’ll have a much more enjoyable time if you plot your journey on quiet roads and cycle lanes where possible. Routes that are best (quickest) for cars, are not always the most fun on a bike!
And before you do any of that, start in a park or offroad to build confidence somewhere without traffic and plenty of room to manoeuvre!
Ride Defensively
Riding defensively is a valuable mindset for cyclists. Anticipate the actions of others and be prepared to react quickly. Maintain enough space between you and other road users, and make eye contact with drivers to confirm they’ve seen you before crossing their path.
Cycle Confidence Sessions
So much of safety comes from being a confident cyclist. Most local authorities offer cycle confidence sessions for both kids and adults so you can get up and running in no time. If you are having less luck with your local authority, a quick google should help point you in the right direction of local organisations and cycle charities in your community. See an example from Christchurch City Council.
Know the NZ code
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist is key. Familiarise yourself with local cycling laws and your entitlements on the road. You can see more information on the NZTA website - Code for Cycling
When cycling, always follow the rules of the road. Ride in the same direction as traffic to improve visibility and adhere to road laws. Stop at red lights and stop signs, and use hand signals to communicate your intentions clearly to drivers and other cyclists.
Make sure you avoid distractions like headphones or mobile phones and keep your focus on the road. Watch out for hazards such as potholes, wet leaves, and uneven surfaces. Maintain a safe distance from parked cars to avoid being “doored,” and stay visible, especially near large vehicles like buses and trucks.
Plan your route
Choosing safe routes can make your ride more enjoyable and less stressful. Stick to bike lanes whenever possible, and plan your journey using quieter, bike-friendly roads to avoid heavy traffic. Take extra care at intersections, which can be high-risk areas, ensuring that drivers see you before you proceed.
Use journey planning tools. Google Maps is convenient but there are a host of other tools that cater more to cyclists. Apps like Transit show you what percentage of the journey will be on quiet or fully segregated bike lanes.
Perform a pre-ride check
Before hitting the road, take a moment to perform a pre-ride check. Make sure your brakes work, tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, and the chain is well-lubricated. Adjust your seat so you can pedal and stop comfortably!👉
Get your workride!
You guessed it, the missing piece of the puzzle. WorkRide enables you to get that new bike with a cost offset between 32-63%. You can use our savings calculator to see how much you can save!
For more information check out NZTA - Code for Cycling | NZTA - Biking in our town & Cities | Christchurch City Council - Cycling Tips
Start your Workride journey for free today!
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