Hazards

Riding a bike on the road can be a lot of fun but you need to be on the lookout for dangers at all times. You can’t just ride your bike without being aware of what is going on around you. Riding a bike takes concentration. Ask yourself , “Am I a safe cyclist?”

Passing a parked car can be a hazard. The driver might open the door as you pass or it could even drive away. Take care you ensure no traffic is coming before passing it and don’t go too close to the door in case it opens. You can usually see if there is a driver in the front seat though.

Animals and even people can be hazards. Often animals can run out onto the road right in front of cars or bikes. They don’t even look. People are almost as bad especially little kids who can run onto the road or chase a ball.

When the road is wet it can make it very slippery. Be careful when turning and stay off those painted lines and signs as they are as slippery as ice. Also take care when riding over railway lines go straight not on an angle.

Cars in driveways can sometimes reverse out unexpectedly. If you see a car up a driveway and it looks like it might come out be ready to stop or get out of the way quickly. Remember though to make sure that nothing is coming behind you either.

Intersections are where most accidents happen. When you are travelling through one take extra care. If you think the other vehicles haven’t seen you or they seem to be going too fast to stop then wait. If in doubt go onto the foot path and go through the intersection like a pedestrian does.

So remember when you ride your bike on the road you must always be looking for hazards. If you spot a hazard then be ready to stop or avoid it. If a car and a bike crash it’s almost always the bike rider that comes off worst. Be a safe cyclist.

This is my road signs