This guide outlines the importance of safe cycling to work, and strategies to improve safety.
Across the world, millions of people choose to cycle to work each day instead of traveling by car or public transport. For workers on a low income, this can be an ideal way to save money. There is no need to purchase a car or pay expensive fees for monthly passes for the train or bus networks.
Such workers enjoy a commute that is free of the additional costs that come with car ownership. There is no need for insurance for a bicycle, fuel costs are zero as the power comes from you rather than petrol, LPG, or diesel, and there is no tax to pay on a bike.
As road networks become more overcrowded, cycling, especially when it is on a dedicated cycle path, can be a superb way to arrive at work. However, as with all forms of transportation, there is a need to ensure that your personal safety is maximized.
Remember that car drivers have the benefit of being essentially encased in a secure metal box full of safety features as they drive to work. As a cyclist, you will need to take steps to ensure that any inherent risks, especially on busy roads, are minimized.
In this article, there will be a focus on the importance of safe cycling to work. Information is provided on the additional benefits and requirements of safe cycling, both from a personal and employer’s perspective, along with some top tips on how to keep as safe as possible on your route to work.
The benefits of cycling to work
As previously discussed, cycling is a highly cost-effective way to commute to work, provided that you live at a reasonable distance from your workplace. However, there are far more benefits than those relating to economic factors.
Cycling to work regularly, even over a relatively short distance, can be a key way to stay in shape and improve your cardiovascular fitness. You will be exercising major muscle groups in your legs as well as improving your overall levels of endurance. In addition, there is an environmental bonus to cycling.
As a zero-emissions form of transport, you will not be releasing CO2 or pollutants into the atmosphere. In some small but meaningful way, you will be helping to protect the environment. You may also find that you arrive at work more energized and focused.
Cycling can give you a real boost in the mornings, allowing you to work more effectively for extended periods. Finally, as with many forms of exercise, cycling can help you keep your stress levels low and enjoy an improved level of mental well-being.
Employer considerations
Most employers actively encourage their staff to cycle to work as they recognize the above benefits. They may even adopt a formal cycle-to-work scheme in their organization.
Such schemes allow staff to sacrifice a small proportion of their monthly salary in exchange for gaining a new bike on a rental basis. At the end of the rental period, the worker may choose to pay an additional sum to own the bike.
In addition to cycle-to-work schemes, there are more considerations that employers must make to ensure that their workplace helps to make cycling safe. Most pressing is the need to maintain the pathways, car parks, and entrance routes to their premises.
A cyclist who is unaware of potholes in a car park or uneven surfaces leading up to work could easily come off their bike and be injured. Health and safety staff should ensure that all surfaces are even and potholes are fixed.
Third-party suppliers such as seton.co.uk can provide the products and materials that will fill in potholes and make surfaces safe to cycle on. Employers should risk assess the exterior of their premises, ensuring that no risks are posed to cyclists.
In addition, employers should provide secure facilities to store and lock cycles when at work, such as a bike rack that workers can chain their bikes to.
Wearing the correct safety gear
It is vitally important that cyclists wear suitable safety gear. A high visibility vest should be considered essential for all commuting journeys and is even more important in the darker winter months when visibility is low.
A high-quality helmet is also incredibly important for all cycling commuters. This will help to reduce the likelihood of sustaining serious head injuries should you come off your bike or be involved in an accident.
Non-slip footwear is another must, as this will keep you in close contact with the pedals, especially if you are not using bike cleats and their specific cycling shoes.
The importance of bike lights
In addition to wearing safety gear, you should also fit high-quality lights to your bike. A strong front beam will help you to stay safe in low light conditions whilst alerting oncoming traffic to your presence.
On the rear of your bike, a red light should be used. This may be of the flashing LED variety which is highly visible from a distance and will ensure that traffic behind you gives enough space when overtaking.
When fitting your front light, make sure that it is directed slightly downwards. This will stop the light from blinding or dazzling oncoming drivers, especially if you are using a high-powered halogen bulb.
Signalling in traffic
Finally, never underestimate the importance of using clear signals as a cyclist. For example, if you are about to turn left into another street, raise your left arm and hold it out at ninety degrees from your body. This will indicate your intention to turn left at the next junction and will allow drivers to anticipate your next move.
Unfortunately, some cyclists have created a negative opinion for the rest of the cycling community by failing to signal, weaving in and out of traffic, and thinking that traffic signals do not apply to them. This creates danger for both the cyclist and other road users and these bad practices should be avoided at all costs.
Final words
Remember that you are one of the most vulnerable road users. You do not have safety features or protection built into your bike and even a low-speed accident can cause significant injuries to you. Ride safely and consider other road users on your commute and whenever you go for a bike journey.
Photo by TRAVEL BLOG
