
Whether you cycle for fun on the weekends or as part of your daily commute, it’s critical that you have a good understanding of cycling safety. This infographic guide from Hussey Fraser outlines some health and safety essentials to help cyclists stay safe on the road.
By Derek Eastwood/ Hussey Fraser
Cyclists Are Among The Most Vulnerable People On the Road
Cyclists are up to 30 times more likely to get injured on the road than drivers are, and are up to 18 times more likely to get killed (Garrard, Greaves and Ellison, 2010). This is because bicycles offer a much lower level of personal protection when compared to vehicles. One of the best ways you can protect yourself as a cyclist is by getting familiar with the rules of the road and by making sure that you have adequate safety equipment.
What Factors Contribute to Cycling Accidents?
Research has found several factors which have been linked to an increased likelihood of a collision. Some of these factors include:
- Dark or poor lighting conditions
- Riding in the wrong direction
- Cycling on a pedestrian footpath
- Going too fast or too slow
- Intoxication
- Poor or non-existent safety equipment
- The condition of the bike itself
What Can You Do To Be Safer On the Road?
Many of the risk factors listed above can be avoided by taking some simple precautionary measures. For example, if you are travelling in the dark, take some time to plot out your route so that you stick to safe, well-lit areas. You should also consider revising the rules of the road every now and then to ensure that you don’t slip into bad habits. Thirdly, make sure that you have enough safety gear and frequently check that these are fit for purpose.
Learn More About Cycling Safety
If you are curious to learn more about how to stay safe on the roads, be sure to check out the infographic guide below!
Author Bio
My name is Derek Eastwood, I’m the Business Development Manager at Hussey Fraser Solicitors. Hussey Fraser is based in Dublin, Ireland and offers technical and legal advice to people on a wide range of personal injuries. A critical part of my work is keeping up to date with information relating to our safety as the number of lives we lose every year on the road is staggering.
Source: Gerrard, Greaves and Ellison (2010). Cycling injuries in Australia: Road safety’s blindspot? Journal of the Australasian College of Road Safety.