Using your bicycle on the roads makes you a part of the traffic picture. You have to follow the traffic rules and regulations.
Your should be very careful if you’re not familiar in left-sided traffic. All your natural behavior of reaction will not be of value if you react to “left” when you should lean “right”.
Road Safety Guidelines
- Respect road signs and signals (red lights, one-way streets, stop signs, etc.).
- Rules of the Road apply to all road users.
- Do not cycle on footpaths.
- Cycle in single file even when cycling in a group.
- Signal changes of direction with your arm.
- Watch out for vehicle doors opening.
- Do not undertake vehicles if they are turning left.
- On the road, keep left. Unless specific paths are provided, you must follow this rule to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
- Always consider your own safety and that of others at all times.
- Be aware of other cyclists and ensure they can always see you.
- Always look out for pedestrians, particularly at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
- Always be alert to what?s happening around you. Wearing headphones while cycling is not advised.
- When you brake in an emergency, keep your weight on the saddle.
Road Safety Authority (RSA)
RSA advice the following to reduce the risk of injury
- Never cycle in the dark without adequate lighting ? white for front, red for rear
- Always wear luminous clothing such as hi-vis vests, fluorscent armbands and reflective belts so that other road users can see you
- Wear a helmet
- Make sure you keep to the left. Always look behind and give the proper signal before moving off, changing lanes or making a turn
- Follow the rules of the road, never run traffic lights or weave unpredictably in and out of traffic
- Maintain your bike properly ? in particular, your brakes should work properly and your tyres should be inflated to the right pressure and be in good condition
- Respect other road users ? don?t get into shouting matches with motorists; stop at pedestrian crossings; don?t cycle on the footpath
- Watch your speed, especially when cycling on busy streets and going downhill
- Steer well clear of left-turning trucks: let them turn before you move ahead