Cycling is a mode of transportation that has become much more popular in Singapore, significantly so especially in the past 2 years, following the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic. However, with this increase in popularity, it is always important to be responsible citizens and remember that safety is always the utmost priority. Here are 5 tips for you to optimise your cycling experience and remain safe
1. Always wear a helmet
Whenever it is that you go on a bike ride, the number one rule in any situation will always be to wear a helmet. A helmet, usually made of thermoplastic or polycarbonate, is specifically designed to protect your skull and are highly effective in reducing head injuries.
However, when cycling, it is not possible to wear just any helmet, because the helmet worn must follow approved standards and fit. It is very important that the helmet has a snug fit and does not wobble in any direction. This is because should an accident happen, the helmet will stay in place and protect the skull and avoid any internal or external injuries.
It is vital that you wear your helmet at all times during your bike ride and make sure it is fastened tightly and properly as it will definitely guarantee the safety of your head and your well-being.
2. Remain seen & visible at all times
When cycling, one way to avoid any fatal accidents or collisions is to always remain seen and visible to other fellow cyclists and pedestrians at all times. Just by doing something as minute as ringing a bell or turning the cycling lights on, it gives other passers-by and riders coming from both directions an ample visible warning so as to not ride too closely or collide with you.
One way you can do this is to install a handlebar bell onto your bicycle. Since the bell is of close proximity, it is easy to ring and give others around you a warning of your presence and urge pedestrians to give way for your incoming bike. Effectively using a bell, especially at night when visibility is extremely low, can be very helpful.
According to the law* in Singapore, it is mandatory that all bikes have installed a white headlight and a red taillight. This, like the bell, will guarantee your visibility when it is dark and avoid any unprecedented accidents.
*Source: Road Traffic Act (CHAPTER 278, SECTION 140) as of 15 April 2009
3. Wear cycling-appropriate clothing
It is vital that the cycling attire that your wear is not only comfortable, but safe for you as well. It is important to avoid any form of baggy trousers or bell-bottoms. Associating with these kinds of bottoms will likely result in the clothing getting stuck between bicycle gears and cause you to trip and injure yourself. Another thing to remember is to avoid flip-flop sandals as they can easily slip off. It is better to don tight-fit shoes or close-strap sandals, altogether avoiding and unwanted and unnecessary accidents.
4. Be prepared for any weather circumstance
With Singapore’s weather being highly unprecedented, it is always good to be responsible and check on the weather forecast before embarking on a ride so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.
Should th3 weather be hot and glaring, it is good to use eye-protective clothing such as caps and sunglasses so that it will help you keep your entire focus on the road, without having to squint to avoid the glare of the sun. Without these protective gears, it is easy to go astray from the path as much of your energy is used up trying to actually fight for visibility and not the ride itself. On such hot and humid days, it is also vital you bring along a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated and not faint.
However, should it be wet weather, you will need to ride with optimal caution as roads can get very slippery, and it may make you much more prone to accidents. Hence, it is always important to be prepared for any weather circumstance.
5. Remember to be always mindful of your surroundings
Last but not least, it is very important that you are always hyper-aware of your surroundings when you are cycling. You should be aware of the pedestrians walking and other cyclists around. You can do this by devoting your full attention to the road instead of multi-tasking and doing unnecessary tasks like using your phone on one hand and balancing on the handlebar with the other.
Another thing that is important to note is that should you use ear buds to listen to a podcast or music when riding, remember to ensure that the volume is not too loud so that you can dedicate your focus to the road and also hear for the ring of bother bicycle bells without being distracted.
