Bicycle safety is a must whether you use an ebike or traditional bike. This safety guide helps you avoid potential mishaps down the road.
Ebikes are now a mainstay on the road with a wide range of functionality and styles to choose from. There’s no doubt that electric bicycles have revolutionised our commute and potential for adventure. But maximising their performance is only possible if done safely.
Speed, range, and power are nothing if not executed safely. So here’s a bicycle safety guide courtesy of Gin ebikes whether you’re riding for leisure, off-road adventures, or daily commutes. We’ve grouped them into three categories: safety practices that involve you, your bike, and the road.
Riders have the responsibility of riding safely so they can avoid accidents and injuries. Be observant, think things through, and be proactive so you don’t compromise road safety.
A study revealed that wearing safety helmets during rides lessens the possibility of serious head injuries by almost 70%. Choose a helmet that is compliant with safety standards and wear it properly to avoid lethal head injuries should you suffer from a collision or fall.
Upon impact, a helmet distributes the force throughout its solid outer shell while cushioning the rider’s head. Without one, the force of the impact will be concentrated on a single area of the skull, increasing the risk of a serious injury.
Wear fluorescent clothing and fabrics in light shades so you can be easily seen by other people on the road, especially when visibility is poor due to rain or fog. As the sun sets, prioritize wearing clothing and accessories that are reflective. Examples include armbands, ankle bands, headbands, and belts.
Stay away from clothing that can get caught up in the chain or cover your lights. Ensure that your bike has adequate headlights and taillights installed so people can spot you when darkness falls or when visibility is bad.
Avoid getting distracted and not being able to hear things by leaving your mobile phones and headsets untouched while riding. Put your smartphone in a designated holder. Don’t hold it or insert it inside your pocket. If you absolutely need to take a call, stop somewhere before picking up.
Check if the weather and roads are safe enough for a bike ride. Slippery and snowy roads especially at night are a safety risk and it’s best to wait it out until the weather and your route are more biker-friendly.
Read government-mandated rules and regulations on cycling so you will be equipped with biking rules designed to promote safety for everyone.
If you’re embarking on a really long ride or you aren’t well-acquainted with your route, plan accordingly. Certain apps point out good routes, including stops, and how long they take to traverse.
Pedal-assist, throttle only, and a combination of the two—these are the three types of e bikes. Whichever your bike is, it must be safe to lessen the risk of road accidents. Be sure to do the following.
Screws, bolts, and nuts keep wheels, handlebars, and brakes securely and safely fastened. These should be attached tightly to avoid misalignment or early wear and tear.
Your headlights and multipurpose tail lights, including brake lights, should work properly to avoid being invisible to other vehicles especially at night or during low visibility.
Make sure that your batteries are charged properly and fully to avoid running low on power or worse, having to cut your trip midway in the middle of nowhere. Follow the manufacturer’s guide on proper battery charging. Doing it wrong or insufficiently will affect your bike’s performance and longevity.
To reinforce your visibility especially at night or during poor weather conditions, you can hang a reflective or high-contrast colour flag. This bicycle safety gear can be triangle or rectangle-shaped and should be tied to a pole that reaches above your head for greater visibility from a distance. The pole can be attached to the rear or rear axle using a clamp or fastener.
Regularly check your ebike for any loosening or damage on components so you can promptly fix or replace them before using your bike. Clean your ride weekly at the very least to slow down its wear and tear, maintain its functionality, and extend its service life.
Bikers cut a slim and laid-back figure among four-wheels and bigger vehicles plying the streets. As such, they require extra effort to navigate the routes safely and visibly to avoid accidents. Remember, you are not as conspicuous as other vehicles so the key is to make sure you are seen so others would know to keep a safe distance.
Bear in mind that you share the road with other bikers, motor vehicles, and pedestrians and you must consider their safety too. Use cycleways across London following the rules in place for safety.
Don’t just glue your eyes on the road. Intentionally scan it for potential hazards like potholes, roadworks, pedestrian crossing, or children playing so you can minimise risks and avoid accidents without being distracted. Check your mirrors to quickly scan your rear and peripherals.
Make eye contact to let others know you see them, and use your indicators or signal lights and arm signaling to inform others of your intention. Many accidents happen because of failure in communication.
People crossing or waiting to cross are road priorities, as well as riders who are driving straight at a junction. Make sure to provide them ample time and space to move.
Yield to other cyclists or vehicles who are going to take the roundabout.
Pavements are for pedestrians except if there’s a sign that says bikers are allowed to use them. One-way streets and riding against the flow of traffic are definite no-nos if you want to prevent accidents and avoid becoming a nuisance to others. If you aren’t allowed to go somewhere, stay away.
Some towns allow bikers to ride alongside tram tracks or cross tram tracks. Make sure to observe properly. Keep a safe distance from the tram, cross at a right angle to avoid getting your wheel stuck in the gap. Do not ever overtake a tram.
Do not attempt to beat or ignore red lights. Doing so may result in a fine. Just like any vehicle, not observing the traffic light could result in accidents.
A parked car’s door may suddenly open and hit you or your bike so avoid being near them.
Both are safe to use with proper riding behaviour, observation of road safety rules, and bike maintenance. In terms of ascending steep roads and navigating wet or slippery roads, ebikes offer the advantage of motor assistance, greater traction, and stability. The rider does not have to solely rely on him or herself to move in the right direction.
On the other hand, traditional bikes are more lightweight and with good biking skills, they are safe enough to control when tackling challenging roads and trails. It all boils down to diligence, discipline, and knowing and applying safety strategies and rules.
At Gin e-bikes, we offer a wide selection of ebikes for various purposes—commuter ebikes, mountain ebikes, hybrid ebikes, fat tire ebikes, and other ebikes that you can upgrade for extra safety features or for a special purpose.
Each of our ebikes has premium features that promote safety, power, efficiency, and longevity. Contact us today to book a free test ride and get assistance in acquiring a suitable ebike that meets your riding needs and style.
