Starting the cycling season safely

Time to blow away the cobwebs and get back in the saddle. As soon as the first warm days arrive, many of us wheel our bikes out of the cellar, shed or garage. To help ensure the new season gets off to a safe, accident free start, it’s important to check the mechanics, wear the right protective gear and behave sensibly in traffic. Manuel Tatura, accident expert at ERGO, explains what cyclists should keep an eye on.

Looks like spring – but it’s still winter

Typical accident risks in early spring often come down to lack of practice after the winter break and underestimating weather conditions. Night frost can be particularly treacherous. “Even if the air feels mild during the day, shaded paths in park or woodland and bridges can still be icy in the early morning,” says Manuel Tatura, accident expert at ERGO. The easiest way to stay informed is to check the temperature on your phone before you set off. In addition, staying alert and riding defen-sively are your best allies, especially on your first outings of the year.

Pre ride safety check for a smooth start

Before your first ride, a thorough inspection of the bike is a must. A bike that has been standing un-used for months needs a thorough clean to begin with. Then check that the brakes work properly and that the brake pads haven’t worn too thin. Good lights and a loud, reliable bell are essential.
“The tyres shouldn’t have any cracks in the tread and need to be pumped up properly – otherwise the risk of punctures increases,” explains Tatura. Next, clean and re oil the chain, and check that all the bolts on the handlebars and saddle are tight. If you own an e bike or pedelec, you should also check the battery for visible damage and make sure the motor is working properly before you head out onto the road.

Never ride without a helmet

Personal kit is particularly important for cyclists. Top of the list is the helmet, which should sit snugly without wobbling or slipping back on the back of your head. Because cyclists are easily overlooked in traffic, good visibility is crucial in spring as well – for example with light coloured or bright clothing and extra reflectors. That goes for quick trips into town just as much as for longer rides. A common mistake is becoming careless on short journeys: “Even if you’re only on the bike for five minutes, a helmet is absolutely essential,” emphasises the ERGO accident expert.

Different needs for children and older riders

For children, a bike is a fairly complex piece of kit that they need to learn to handle safely. It’s im-portant that the bike can be adjusted as the child grows so it’s safe at every size. Only if the child can put both feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle do they have full control. On the other hand, they shouldn’t have to bend their knees too sharply when pedalling and should be able to sit upright. For older cyclists, comfort and stability are key. Many seniors enjoy the benefits of e bikes, but of-ten underestimate the power of the motor at first. “After a longer break, it’s a good idea to start with a few practice laps on a quiet, open space to get a feel for the bike again,” advises Tatura. Step through frames that make it easy to get on and off are recommended for older riders, as well as ergonomic grips and saddles to reduce fatigue.

Courtesy comes first

A roadworthy bike on its own isn’t enough: how you ride in traffic is just as important. “If you ride defensively and anticipate what others might do, you can often compensate for other road users’ mistakes,” says Manuel Tatura. “E bike riders in particular need to remember that their stopping distance is longer at higher speeds, and that drivers often underestimate how fast they’re going.” Junctions and driveways call for extra caution; making eye contact with other road users can help you judge whether you’ve really been seen. In general, being considerate of others helps everyone share the road in a relaxed, safe way.

Don’t forget to check your paperwork

No matter how careful you are, some residual risk can never be completely ruled out. So before the new cycling season gets underway, it’s worth checking whether you have all the key insurance policies in place. “Personal accident insurance doesn’t just provide a one off lump sum for perma-nent physical impairment after an accident – it often includes extensive assistance services as well,” explains the accident expert. In addition, personal liability insurance is essential to cover any damage cyclists may accidentally cause to others. Since high value bikes and e bikes are particu-larly attractive to thieves, a theft policy or dedicated cycle insurance can also be worthwhile – many of these policies cover vandalism as well.