SAFETY FOR CYCLISTS: 5 BASIC TIPS

Posted by Lone on February 9th, 2022

The world is changing and with it the way people move. If you are one of those who have decided to travel more and more by bicycle, great decision! It\'s a great way to stay active, healthy and leaving less of an impact on the planet. However, we cannot forget that we live in Mexico, a place with a moderate—if not “little”—road culture. We have to be alive, that\'s why we share some tips to maximize safety on your journeys. 

Bring your safety equipment yes or yes You will probably see many other cyclists without a helmet, however, we do not recommend it at all. A good helmet can save your life, there is nothing more to add on that. Also consider other accessories such as sunglasses, gloves, a reflective vest, a headlight, a rear light, and rear-view mirrors. Don\'t forget your tool kit to fix your bike if it breaks down and a first aid kit. Equip your bike and yourself well, this will allow you to be more visible to others, be aware of your surroundings and react well to mishaps.

Bike safety in the city is also of interest to motorists.

Road rules go hand in hand

Not knowing the rules of the road can put you in a very dangerous position and well… what a need! It is true, many motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians do not know them. However, if we compare, it is preferable to apply them than to do the opposite; after all, it is a security issue. These road rules will tell you how to signal right and left turns, the optimal places for cyclists to circulate, the correct distance to keep from cars (at least 1.5 meters), among other relevant aspects. And yes, remember that traffic lights still apply to cyclists and you have to respect them. 

Know and plan your route

You have to know the path you will walk, its conditions and alternative routes for any situation that comes your way. It is important that you have a map, either physical or digital, to help you in case you get lost or have to use another path. If you decide to consult the map on your cell phone, make sure you have enough battery or take an external rechargeable battery just in case. It is also highly recommended that you have data so as not to depend on Wi-Fi networks.

These are the best tips to keep cyclists safe.

Check your bike

Do not trust yourself, always check that your bike is in optimal conditions to ride. Check that the tires are well inflated, that there are no embedded objects such as nails or glass, that the brakes work properly and any other details before leaving.  

Be safe in cycling

No matter how careful you are when shooting, there will be times when not everything depends on you. That is why we highly recommend taking out specific insurance for cyclists. In this way you will be able to react quickly in the event of an accident and guarantee immediate medical attention..

A piece of advice: check the conditions of your insurance

There is a certain offer of insurance to protect cyclists, however, not all offer the same. It is advisable that you review your coverage amounts, as well as the payment method in the event of an accident. 

For example, most insurances operate on a reimbursement basis , which means that if you are injured, you will have to pay for the medical service you receive – which, by the way, is not cheap – in order to later be able to claim reimbursement from the insurer. In general, this procedure takes several months and not everyone has the liquidity to pay and then wait for the return amount. 

On the other hand, there are insurances that operate through direct payment . That means that the insurer will make the payment directly to the hospital at the time of your medical service. Forget about the cumbersome reimbursement procedures! Journey Sports & car insurance operates this way. 

We hope that these tips will be useful to you and that you can ride your bike safely. We wish you a happy ride!