There’s no escaping the fact that our sport can be dangerous, sometimes even deadly; and there’s no way to control the actions of drunk or distracted drivers. But there are ways to be smart about riding on the road, and hopefully, stacking the odds a little more in your favour so that you always make it home in one piece.

We asked the team at Bicycling for their top safety tips when venturing out on the road.

Signal your intent
I always use hand signals when slowing down, stopping or turning, and to point out obstacles and debris in the road. This isn’t just for the benefit of any cars that might be behind me – it’s also for my fellow riders in a group. If you signal early and unambiguously, then everyone has a clear idea of what you plan to do and they can react accordingly. – Paul Goddard, Chief Ad Guy

Use your lights
I put a front light and a rear light on my bike whenever I ride, even if it’s in the daytime. Lights don’t surround you with a magical force field (if only!), but they make you exponentially more visible to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. And anything that makes you more visible is a good thing. Some tips on light etiquette: at the back, don’t go full flash if it’s dark – you’ll blind the rider behind you. Rather, choose a dimmer, non-flashing mode. Also, be considerate to walkers and other riders at dawn and dusk, if your front light is a cannon. Shield it with your hand when you approach, or tilt it slightly downwards. – Jon Minster, Editor

Be aware of your speed
Most of the close calls I have had are often because car drivers don’t realise how fast cyclists are travelling. So if you’re coming down the road and a car has pulled out in front of you, it’s generally because the driver has not anticipated that the cyclist is travelling at a speed they did not expect. Most drivers assume that cyclists are slow. So subconsciously they think they have more time than they do, especially on a downhill when bikes can be travelling at 60-70km/h. The key is putting yourself in the mind of the driver: Slow down, make sure the driver is looking in your direction and err on the side of caution when it comes to speeding down hills or along flats in built-up areas. – Mike Finch / Bicycling publisher

Second-guess every situation
Far too many motorists have a blind spot for cyclists and don’t notice you, even when you’re right there. I once accepted a signalling gesture from a driver giving me right of way, only to go headlong into the windscreen of a car whose driver thought the signal was for him. If a driver motions to you, double-check your surroundings before you proceed.   – Mark Arendse / Art Director

Go disco
Wear as much neon and reflective stuff as you can find. Yes, black makes you look svelte; but it also makes you almost invisible to motorists. If you insist on wearing black, make sure it has reflective detailing – most newer kit has this on the arms and at the rear of the garment. Search Takealot for ideas: you can also get hi-vis wristbands, belts and even a rechargeable LED vest. Every bit helps. There are even updated versions of those old-school reflectors for your spokes! – Dave Buchanan / Sub-editor

Ride a bit wider
Don’t ride hard against the shoulder of the road, right against the kerb or on the yellow line. Yes, that way you’re leaving more space for a vehicle to pass; but you’re also giving drivers the idea that they can pass without having to leave their lane. On top of that, if you’re hard against the shoulder, you don’t have any wiggle room to move left in an emergency. Rather ride half a bike-length inside the lane. You’ll be more visible to motorists, they’ll have to pass more carefully, and you’ll have space for taking evasive action if necessary.  – Mike Finch / Publisher

Look ‘em in the eye
If possible, make eye contact with the drivers around you. If you can lock eyes with the driver on the other side of an intersection, or the one next to you, you know they’ve seen you and will drive accordingly.  It also works if the road is narrow, and there’s a car behind you. Glance back and make eye contact – the driver should then know that you know he’s there, and you’ll give him space to overtake as soon as it’s safe to do so. – Kirsten Curtis / Digital Editor

And some additional, equally important ones

Anticipate the Worst
Keeping alert to what drivers, pedestrians, and even other cyclists might do can help you avoid dangerous situations. Watch for opening car doors, cars suddenly turning in front of you, and pedestrians stepping into the road. Drivers often underestimate how fast a cyclist is travelling, so it’s wise to ease off the speed and stay defensive in busy areas.

Obey the Rules of the Road
Don’t be a tool. Follow all the rules of the road. Stop at red robots. Ride with the flow of traffic. Ride single file. When cyclists ride responsibly, it builds trust and reinforces their right to be on the road.

Advocate for Safer Roads
Support local initiatives that promote cycling infrastructure and safety. A more bike-friendly city benefits everyone.

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