For many people, the bicycle is an everyday companion for traveling to work, meeting friends or getting some exercise outside and in the fresh air. As a result of the mobility transition, more and more people are getting on bikes. If you cycle around the city a lot, our tips for safe cycling in city traffic will be interesting to you.
1. Follow the Regulations.
According to the StVO (this applies to Germany, it might be called differently in your country!), the bicycle is a vehicle, which is why the same regulations apply to cyclists as to car drivers. There are also additional regulations for cyclists, which can be found in the StVO. To feel safe on the road and reduce the risk of accidents, you should be aware of the traffic rules for cyclists.
2. Don't cycle on the sidewalk.
For cyclists, there usually are separate cycle paths or lanes on the road for car drivers. If you drive in a cycle lane, make sure you keep enough distance from the edge of the road (50-100 cm) and the parked cars (75-125 cm) so that you don’t end up on the road or hit a car while swinging.
You can only use sidewalks if they’re also open to cyclists. Out of consideration for pedestrians, you should adjust your pace and, if necessary, get off and push your bike when there are obstacles.
3. Be attentive and vigilant.
Behave confidently and defensively in traffic. It’s important to drive with foresight. To reduce the risk of an accident, do not suddenly change direction or stop for no reason. Watch out for obstacles such as potholes, manhole covers or unpaved shoulders that might cause you to skid. You should also drive carefully over tram tracks. If you’re unsure, it’s better to get off. When it’s wet and windy, the road surface can be affected and your braking distance will be longer. Caution is advised in this situation as well.
4. Stick to the specified direction of travel.
Always drive on the correct side of the road to avoid causing an accident.
5. Signal the change of direction using hand signals.
You can use hand signals to let other road users know that you are changing direction. Ideally, you should also make eye contact with them to make sure that they have noticed you.
6. Make sure you keep a sufficient safety distance.
According to the StVO, cyclists are allowed to ride next to each other as long as it does not affect other traffic. However, in this case you should still make sure to keep a safe distance from the road and parked cars. In addition, you should keep enough distance from the person in front of you so that your view is not obstructed and can behave defensively in traffic.
8. Check your bike at regular intervals.
It is important that you regularly check the tire pressure, the functionality of the brakes and gears, as well as the bell and lights. You should check your bike at least twice per year, ideally before the winter and spring seasons set in, either by yourself or in a workshop.
9. Wear appropriate clothing.
You can increase your traffic safety during the day and at night by wearing the appropriate clothing. If you wear fluorescent clothing which reflects ultraviolet light during the day, you will be more visible in traffic. At night, it’s recommended to wear reflective clothing.
10. Wear a helmet.
Only by wearing a helmet you can protect yourself from the severe consequences of an accident. When buying a helmet, look for the CE mark, which is standardized across Europe. You can use the symbol to make sure the helmet has been checked and meets basic safety requirements.