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10 tips for cycling

10 great cycling safety equipment ideas

If you are new to cycling on the road, you might find this short list of nifty safety cycling gear helpful. Over the past few years, there has been steady growth in the range of products available to help cyclists become more visible, more comfortable and more aware of their surroundings on the road.

Bicycleinfo have compiled a short list of safety gadgets for bikes and riders.

1. Helmet - see our page dedicated to cycle helmets here;

2. Cycle horn and bells

Bells are a great idea, whether at pedestrian crossings or on the local trail. No need to be boring, you can spice your bars up a bit with a hamburger or cupcake bell! Your bike must be fitted with a bell, horn, or similar warning device, see Road Rules 2008, Part 15, Rule 258;

cycle bell

3. Lights - Things to look out for when selecting lights:

Battery life
Optional flashing modes to make you highly visible
Waterproof casing a definite advantage for rainy days
Beam reach.

Click here for the road rules on riding at night.

4. Gloves

With the exception of helmets, the common cycle glove is probably the most popular piece of cycle safety equipment. Gloves help protect the skin on the palms of your hands when you fall on a road or in the dirt. Fingerless gloves are great in the summer while full fingered gloves will keep your hands warm in the winter.

5. Rearview mirrors

Rearview mirrors come in to two main configurations, to be mounted on either the frame or the handlebars of your bike. Rearview mirrors allow you to see traffic behind you and can help you change lanes more safely. They are also useful when checking how far behind your mates are without twisting your head round and losing your balance.

6. Safety arm reflectors and flags

These 30cm long safety arms with reflectors attach to your rear rack or seat stay and help to keep the traffic at bay. Flags can also be a great way to draw attention to you and your bike. They are cheap and highly effective for leisure and commuting purposes.

safety reflector arm

7. Pannier Bags

Most pannier bags have reflective inserts on them and stand out almost as far as a safety arm reflector (above).

8. Safety Vest

Yellow or orange reflective vests can really make you stand out on the roads. A must at night, and they won’t hurt to be worn during the day either.

9. Water

It sounds obvious, but keeping hydrated while riding your bike is super important. While exercising, your sweating causes a loss in salt and water which need replacing regularly.

10. Emergency chocolate bar

Last but not least, it's a good idea to pack an emergency bar of chocolate to help you top up your energy levels!

chocolate bar

10 tips for riding your bicycle safely

tips for cycling group Getting around by bicycle can be a great way to have fun and keep fit.

Always wear an approved bicycle helmet, properly fitted and fastened to your head.
Increase your visibility with bright, light clothing which also keeps you cool while being comfortable. Use reflective clothing especially at night and in poor conditions.
Be prepared for bad weather and always protect your eyes. Display a white light at the front of your bike and a red light at the back. Your bike must have a red rear reflector.
Always obey the road rules, including traffic lights, Stop signs and Give Way signs. You must use the bike lane where one is available, ride in Transit Lanes and Bus Lanes, but not Bus Only Lanes. Give way to pedestrians and other vehicles when entering a road.
Ride in a predictable manner that does not require other road users to react suddenly to your movements.
Give hand signals when changing lanes or turning right.
Plan your route using quieter streets, bicycle paths or shared paths, wherever possible. When using a shared pedestrian/bicycle path keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.
Maintain control of your bike at all times. It is an offence to ride with both hands off the handlebars, feet off the pedals or to carry anything which prevents you from having control.
Keep your bicycle in good condition by performing regular maintenance checks that will enhance your cycling experience and the longevity of your bike.
Carry out the 3 minute check every time you ride your bike.