Most cyclists know the basics of bike safety, yet preventable accidents still happen because riders overlook habits that only take seconds to build. As bicycle riders are the most vulnerable road users, the difference between a close call and a trip to hospital can come down to a few small adjustments to your routine before every ride.
The Pre-Ride Bike Safety Check
Before you set off on your ride, take two minutes to run through the ABC check. This simple approach to bike safety catches potential problems before they can cause any serious issues.
A is for Air. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, make steering sluggish and leave you more prone to punctures, while overinflated tyres reduce grip and make the ride uncomfortable. The sidewall of your tyre shows the recommended pressure, so check it with a gauge or a firm squeeze. While you’re there, look for cracks, cuts or excessive wear on the tread.
B is for Brakes. Squeeze each brake lever and check it engages well before it reaches the handlebar, and that the wheel stops without rubbing or squealing. Then inspect the brake pads; they need at least 3mm of material left and should contact the rim or disc straight and clean.
C is for Chain. Check along the chain for rust, grime or stiff links. If it looks dry or sounds squeaky when you spin the pedals, lubricate the chain then turn the cranks and listen for grinding. Smooth, quiet rotation means you are good to go.
Also take a quick look at your lights, helmet, and frame, checking for cracks and any damage that show they need to be replaced. If you buy a second-hand bicycle, complete this check before your first ride.
Being Seen Isn't Optional
After an accident most drivers often claim they did not see the cyclist, making visibility is one of the most critical factors in safe riding. During the day, fluorescent clothing helps your bike safety by making you stand out, especially bright yellows, oranges and greens. At night, reflective materials take over, bouncing headlight beams back toward drivers. Reflective ankle bands, knee straps, vest panels, and helmet stickers can increase your visibility range from 20 metres in dark clothing to 160 metres.
Lights are mandatory when riding a bicycle at night or in hazardous weather. Under the Australian Road Rules, your bicycle must have a white front light and red rear light visible from at least 200 metres, plus a red rear reflector visible from 50 metres.
Bicycle Hand Signals
Unfortunately, many drivers and cyclists alike think that using their indicator is optional and that the cars around them can guess what they’re going to do. Under Australian road rules, cyclists must give a hand signal when turning or merging right with approximately 30 metres notice. Signals for left turns, hook turns, and stopping are not legally required, but are strongly recommended.
Always check over your shoulder before signalling. For either a right turn or a left turn, extend the corresponding arm straight out to that side. The signal for stopping is to extend either arm downward with your palm facing backward.
Road Rules & Bike Road Safety Positioning
Never ride against traffic. Remember, bike safety and sharing the road also means sharing the road rules. Always ride on the left side of the road and use bike lanes where they are available.
Many new riders keep as close to the kerb and as far away from moving traffic as they can, even if it means getting close to parked cars. The door zone extends about one metre out from parked cars (depending on its size), and is one of the most dangerous places for a cyclist as people open car doors without checking for bikes. Australian road rules permit you to leave a bike lane or the left side of the road to avoid hazards, including the door zone. It is safest to slow down if you cannot create enough space.
At intersections and traffic lights, never sit in someone’s blind spot. Position yourself where you can make eye contact with the drivers around you. Before you enter the intersection, check for traffic in all directions including for vehicles making turns across your path. At roundabouts, you may ride in the left lane even when turning right, but you must give way to vehicles exiting the roundabout.
When Conditions Change, Your Riding Should Too
Wet surfaces reduce tyre grip and extend your braking distance. Give yourself at least one full wheel revolution of braking before you expect the bike to slow down. Metal surfaces like tram tracks, wet leaves, and other things on the road become slippery hazards in the rain; slow down before you reach them, avoid braking while you cross them, and keep your bike as upright as possible. Cornering in wet conditions requires extra care; lean less than you would on dry roads, shift your weight to the outside pedal, and make your turns wide and gradual.
Ditch the Earphones
Your ears are part of your safety system when riding a bike. You don’t wear headphones when you’re driving; you can hear the warnings of a horn or screeching breaks over the music from your radio. So while headphones while cycling aren’t against the law in Australia, unfortunately they’re not recommended and are a bike safety hazard.
If you must listen to audio, consider bone-conduction headphones. These devices sit outside your ear canal and transmit sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to traffic noise. Keep the volume low enough that you can hear someone speaking to you at normal levels.
Know What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Crashes happen, even to experienced cyclists who follow the rules of the road. A quick, informed response can improve your bike safety reduce the severity of injuries and potentially save a life.
Basic first aid knowledge gives you the ability to act when seconds matter. Taking a nationally accredited first aid course covers the skills you might need to apply on the road, at home, or in your workplace. Completing a course prepares you to help others and gives you a clear plan when the unexpected happens on your next bike ride.
FAQs
When Should I Replace My Bike Helmet?
Replace your bicycle helmet after any crash, even if there’s no visible damage. The foam inside is designed to absorb impact once, and a helmet that looks fine may no longer protect you. You should also replace it every five years, as UV exposure and sweat from when you wear a helmet degrade the materials over time.
Can I Ride My Bicycle on the Footpath in Australia?
Footpath rules vary by state and territory. In Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory, cyclists of all ages may ride on footpaths unless signs prohibit it. In all states, cyclists on footpaths must keep left and give way to pedestrians.
When Is My Child Ready to Ride on the Road?
There’s no set age for when a child can handle traffic. Safety for children on bikes depends on their ability to scan for hazards, react quickly, and follow road rules consistently and most children develop these skills around age 10 to 12. Until then, stick to bike paths and footpaths where legally permitted.
