A study released earlier this month revealed that for every 100 motorists whom are injured in road traffic accidents there are at least 68 injuries to cyclists and pedestrians. This is an alarming statistic given that there are fewer cyclists on our roads than motorists.
Extra care needs to be taken to ensure that there are no cyclists in your path before your proceed. Double check your blind spot before changing lanes and always check that there are cyclists to either side of the vehicle before you turn or set off from traffic lights.
We have given out a lot of advice over the last couple of weeks for motorists but are cyclists at risk too?
Yes, the snow and ice can be just as dangerous for cyclists especially with the added risk of other motorists around them.
Cyclists should take extra care in the bad weather especially on the icy roads. You can easily lose control of your bicycle on hitting an icy patch which could easily lead you to fall to the ground or veer in to a moving motor vehicle. Think about the speed you are travelling and take care to keep your distance from cars.
Think about your positioning if you are travelling to side of a vehicle, can you be easily seen, have you left enough room so that you will not be placed in harm’s way?
Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear as well i.e. helmet and high visibility clothing.
Happy New Year to all of our cycling blog readers and stay safe