Road safety: Tips for cyclists
Most children are at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic and some of them ride their bicycle to have fun while others use it to run errands for their parents.
Some children also use bicycle as a means of transport to school.
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Whenever you ride a bicycle, there are some basic things you have to know and safety equipment you have to wear for safe rides on the road.
Here are some safety rules for cyclists
• When you are about to ride, make sure you are in the right frame of mind.
It takes the use of the eyes and ears to become a good road user.
• Check your brakes, tyres, lights, horn, height and others before you set off on the road. When everything is good, sit comfortably and ride. Faulty parts can cause crashes. Visit the mechanic periodically to ensure a safe ride.
• Your safety is important. Use the right garment when riding.
For example, use bright coloured clothing. Wear reflective garments at nights.
• It is not advisable to ride in a stormy weather or when it is raining. You should therefore study the weather before setting off, take weather warning seriously. If it begins to rain while riding, you can park and continue afterwards.
• The helmet is a protective device for the head of a rider and pillion rider.
Always remember to wear a helmet properly to protect you from head injuries and even death in case of a crash. In Ghana, it is an offence not to wear a crash helmet.
• Always use the bicycle lanes where available.
The use of this lane will ensure your safety. It is not advisable to change lanes when you are not turning. If you have to change lanes, give enough signal to the drivers.
•Put reflectors on your bicycle so other vehicles can see you on the road and not hit you.
•Do not ride in a zigzag manner displaying your acrobatic skills on the road.
• Cycling is good exercise but could be dangerous without safety measures.
