After the lockdown, everybody is making cycling a hobby to be fit. But without knowing anything about riding a bicycle is not a good idea to head out. There are some tips to remember when cycling on road in India that will make your riding journey safe and healthy.
Indian people do not follow traffic rules resulting in several accidents on the road that happens daily. Your safety is our first priority so these are some tips to remember when cycling on road in India.
Road accidents have increased to 1.3% in India (As per the report of ncrb.gov.in).
Whether you are a starter or have experience in cycling, look at these tips that will help you to ride a bicycle on road in India.
Tips to Remember When Cycling on Road in India
1. Do Not Talk on Phone While Cycling
Concentration is very important whether you are riding a bicycle, motorbike or driving a car. In most cases, people are met with accidents when they are talking on the phone or listening to music. The risks of accidents would be less if people are concentrated and alert while riding a two-wheeler or four-wheeler.
2. Checking Cycling Gears Before Going for a Ride
Before going for a short or a long ride it is essential to check your bicycle condition and cycle gears. Here checking cycling gear means, checking helmet, seat, brakes, soccer, chain oil, and water bottle. One must ensure all the things before any ride.
3. Escape from Road Hazards
Road hazards may be big or small rocks, puddles, uneven roads, potholes and dogs etc. All these things can be dangerous and make you fall if they come your way treat them like a good cyclist and cross them intelligently.
Indian roads are not favourable for cycling because cycling is not famous here. Therefore, Many people ride motor vehicles, not bicycles.
4. Obey the Traffic Rules to Stay Safe
It is a great question that can a cyclist run a red light in India? No, All the traffic rules are the same even if you are riding a bicycle.
I have seen many cyclists who do not follow even a single traffic rule sometimes results in accidents while jumping at red lights. So, It is a good practice to follow all the traffic rules as a cyclist in India.
If you are a beginner at riding a cycle on road and do not know anything about traffic rules in India you must know some golden traffic rules.
5. Looking Around while Turning
Do you know most of the accidents happen while turning on roads? A cyclist must look at the right and left sides before turning for a safe turn. Because you may be right while riding but you do not know about others they may be collapsed with your cycle.
So looking around and behind while turning is a great tip that every cyclist should follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Tips for cycling for beginners in India
Q1. On which side of the road should you drive your bicycle?
Left side. You should always drive a bicycle on the extreme left side of the road and go in the direction of the traffic. All the traffic rules are the same even if you are riding a bicycle. Do not jump any red lights not to save fines and penalties but to ensure your safety. By now you should have a better understanding of on which side of the road should we stay while riding a bicycle in India.
Q2. Do traffic rules apply to cyclists in India?
Yes, All the traffic rules are the same for cyclists in India. Many beginner cyclists do not know about traffic rules and they tend to jump red lights all the time. They are taking their and other’s life at risk. Following all the traffic rules are a must for everybody even for a cyclist.
Q3. What are the rules for riding a bicycle?
Follow these rules – Ride with the flow of traffic, Obey all the traffic rules, Don’t make your ride uncontrollable, Keep your cycle in good condition, and Check breaks and lights, tires and bell before going for a ride.
Q4. How to ride a bicycle at night to stay safe?
Riding a bicycle at night is not very safe in India. But if you are riding at night then you must have a light in front, a tail light at the back, and good-quality reflectors (at the front & back, on spokes and on pedals), these cycling essentials will make you visible properly at night. Also, always ride at your side and follow the rules of the road. Know more.
Q5. What are the golden rules for road safety while cycling?
A cyclist should always follow the golden rules of road safety such as: follow the traffic rules (don’t overtake), look back and give hand signals while taking a turn, don’t ride much fast, and always ride your bicycle in the direction of traffic, wear a bicycle helmet, be alert and your bicycle must be well maintained.
Summing-up: Road Cycling Tips in India
Always remember all the tips which are mentioned above that will ensure a safe ride. There are much more things that are also very important for a cyclist we will be discussing them in later blog posts.
If you are a beginner it would be obvious that bicycling may feel difficult for you but don’t worry. A little experience and good advice in bicycle riding would make a beginner an experienced one. Very soon you will be able to participate in cycling events.
I hope the article on “tips to remember when cycling on road in India” helped you.
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