In the recent times many concerned citizens have chosen cycling for their daily commuting purposes in order to escape from the horrendous traffic and to move towards sustainable forms of transport which significantly reduces travel time and provides a healthier lifestyle. Undoubtedly, this is a very positive change but the concern is that several of the 'new' cyclists do not have the proper knowledge and experience of cycling with mixed traffic; especially they lack knowledge about the cycling etiquette.
Some cyclists are often seen to be competing with larger vehicles such as buses, frequently changing lanes without providing any indication to other road users, violating traffic signals, performing stunts on busy streets, riding without wearing any safety gears, etc. This may lead to a serious injury to the cyclist or other road users. For his own safety as well as safety of others on the street, cyclists should strictly follow cycling etiquettes while cycling.
SAFETY GEARS AND VISIBILITY: regardless of the road or the distance that the cyclist is planning to cycle, a cyclist at all times must wear helmets and gloves and other safety gears. They should stay highly visible by using tail-lights and head lights, especially at night and use bells or their voice as necessary to inform others about their presence.
SAFE CYCLING TECHNIQUE AND BEHAVIOUR: At all times cyclists should strictly follow traffic rules and regulations. They should cycle on the left side of the road as much as possible. At all times a controllable and safe speed should be maintained so that there is enough time and distance to slow down or come to a complete halt, if necessary. Cyclists should provide proper hand signal or indication while changing lanes, taking turns and also before stopping. Prior to changing lanes or taking turns cyclists should check the sides and back to ensure a safe manoeuvre and prior to entering a new road or side street it should be ensured that there is no opposing vehicle coming towards them. Cyclists should only cross a road after ensuring that there is sufficient gap to cross or after ensuring that oncoming traffic has slowed down.
WHAT NOT TO DO: Refrain from aggressive and reckless cycling behaviour such as speeding or competing with other vehicles and cyclists, frequently changing lanes, performing stunts, cycling on the wrong direction or opposite side of the road and violating traffic rules. In addition, cyclists should refrain from using mobile phones or plugged ear phones/headphones while cycling. They should not also do anything that may annoy other road users such as using the bell unnecessarily.
Finally, cyclists should be patient, tolerant, and considerate and ride safely and sensibly at all times.
To be a part of the recent cycling trend, children insist their parents buy them bicycles which is why parents in Dhaka are buying bicycles for their children. However, before letting their children cycle with mixed traffic, it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that their children know how to cycle properly, are aware of the traffic rules and regulation and are aware of the cycling etiquettes.
The writer, a transportation engineer, works in Thailand. [email protected]
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