The COVID-19 induced pandemic negatively affected billions of lives. However, there were a few positive trends that came up in these couple of years. The resurgence of bicycles is one such positive trend.
Cycling is a great way to stay fit. Not only does it help us burn tons of calories, but cycling also brings out our inner sense of adventure. The cycling trend has spread like fire in the last couple of years. Each day, I come across an increasing number of cycling enthusiasts touring along the roads in the mornings or late evenings.
Unfortunately, there are some concerns about bicycle safety in India.
The inadequate bicycle safety on Indian roads
When we think of cycling, we picture people from western countries riding on smooth roads surrounded by the lush green roadside. Unfortunately, there is a huge difference between cycling in western countries and in India.
Lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure
It may seem that cycling is a new trend. But, commuting using a bicycle has been ever-present in India. Indians have been using bicycles for daily commute for over a hundred years!
Yet, we still do not provide adequate infrastructure to bicyclists. Bicyclists are treated as a nuisance in India. You may find bicycle lanes on some big city roads. Otherwise, bicyclists have to share the same section of the road with other faster and larger vehicles. Other vehicles may also use bicycle lanes for parking or traveling.
This is in huge contrast to European countries where bicyclists have dedicated lanes (even roads!) and other vehicles are prohibited from using these lanes. Some countries even have interstate bicycle freeways!
The lack of infrastructure puts a high risk on bicycle safety. Any bicyclist who has traveled next to a heavy vehicle or who has tried to cross a busy road has experienced this risk.
The lack of infrastructure is perhaps the biggest cause of bicycle crashes in India.
Driving behavior of other road users
Bicyclists and pedestrians are favored by European traffic rules. A bicyclist is given priority by the larger vehicles while crossing or turning.
In India, bicycles are treated as inferior vehicles. A majority of the drivers in our country believe in “self-priority”. When a car driver or motorcyclist sees a bicyclist trying to cross a road, he will try to force the bicyclist off the road by either honking or passing the bicyclist at a high speed. A majority of bicycle crashes are caused because the car or motorbike driver expected the bicyclist to stop, but the bicyclist either did not have time to react or was not paying attention.
The risk of cycling near heavy vehicles
More than half of the bicycle crashes involve heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicles have blind spots that prevent the drivers from seeing a bicyclist turning or passing next to their vehicle. Most heavy vehicle drivers are unaware even when they hit a bicyclist. However, heavy vehicle drivers are not always to blame. Bicycle crashes are a result of the lack of dedicated bicycle infrastructure that makes the bicycle travel next to heavy vehicles.
Erratic pedestrian behavior
Strangely enough, even pedestrians treat bicyclists as a nuisance in our country. Crashes between bicyclists and pedestrians are way too common. Most of these crashes are because either the pedestrians are distracted or they try to cross in front of the bicyclist. Luckily for bicyclists, these crashes are not that severe as compared to those with cars or heavy vehicles.
Does this mean you should stop cycling in India?
No!
I am not denying that cycling in India is dangerous. However, such risks should not deter you from enjoying the wonderful experience of riding a bicycle. All you need to do is take your safety into your own hands.
Based on my experience of studying bicycle crashes in India, I have listed some steps that a bicyclist should take before hitting the road.
How to ride a bicycle safely in India
Here are some steps you can take to cycle safely on Indian roads
Keep your head safe!
No matter the vehicle you are traveling in, safety should be your first priority before you hit the road. Bicycles are no different.
In the past couple of years, I have come across a puzzling scenario that involves cycling enthusiasts riding on their expensive bicycles, wearing a light outfit, carrying electrolytes, having digital devices strapped to their arms…..but not wearing a helmet! And to increase the risks further, these bicyclists are doing this on highways!
The helmet should be your first priority while riding a bicycle. The clothes and the gear come later. Countless studies show that head injuries are the biggest cause of fatalities in bicycle riders.
So, please wear a helmet every time you plan to ride a bicycle. Doesn’t matter if the ride is for 2km or 20km!
Helmet technology has also come a long way. Impact protection is a helmet’s first priority. But, just impact protection is not sufficient in a crash. This is because bicyclists, being lighter, also sustain a lot of rotational injuries such as concussions. Some modern helmets come equipped with a technology called Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). MIPS is designed to take care of these rotational injuries. Helmets with MIPS are usually more expensive. However, they still provide a high value as we cannot put a price on safety.
Be Visible
Another thing I have noticed is that most bicycles and bicyclists are barely visible in the dark. This is dangerous considering most bicyclists prefer to ride during early mornings or late evenings. If you are not visible to other vehicles, you are highly likely to get hit.
The solution is simple…be as visible as you can. Stick reflective strips to both the end and sides of the bicycle and wear reflective clothing. If you can, get some dynamo-powered lights that will not only make you visible but also illuminate the road in front of you. I would also suggest all bicyclists wear a reflective jacket for improved visibility. All these items are essential for bicycle safety.
Practice Defensive Cycling
A bicycle is the most vulnerable vehicle on the road. The onus is always going to be on you to be vigilant and cautious. This is where defensive cycling (a version of defensive driving) can help you. Defensive cycling involves using methods that keep you away from harm. In other words, ride assuming that every other road user is trying to kill you!
Here are some ways you can practice defensive cycling:
- Maintain a safe space between you and other heavier vehicles. Try to use the road edge/shoulder on highways. If available, always use the service/side road of the highway.
- Understand the different types of road marking and follow lane discipline.
- Don’t try to “cut-in” the larger vehicles when they are turning. You will always be in their blind spot.
- Do not try to cross the road too close to a heavy vehicle. You may be in the other vehicle’s driver’s blind spot and get hit. This is how most crashes occur between bicyclists and heavy vehicles.
- Follow the traffic rules. There is a false belief in our country that traffic signals do not apply to bicyclists. This is simply not true and is the one big reason we have bicycle crashes at intersections. As a bicyclist do not jump the signal and enter in front of the crossing traffic. Traffic rules apply to bicyclists as much as other road users.
- Always signal the other road users what you are about to do. A large number of crashes take place because the bicyclist does not signal to the other vehicles. You can check out common signaling methods here. If possible, try to maintain eye contact with the other vehicle’s driver when you signal. This will give you an indication if the driver has understood you.
- Beware of “Dooring”. Dooring is the act of opening the car door in the path of another road user. Dooring is a massive risk for bicyclists as some car drivers may not be attentive while getting out of the vehicle and may open their doors right in front of you. You can warn the car drivers by flashing or using the bicycle bell.
- Be extremely cautious of wayward pedestrians and animals. Both are equally likely to come into your path unexpectedly.
- Always focus on the road. This means that your ears should be always open. No headphones!
- Run regular maintenance checks on your bicycle to ensure it is in top shape.
Safe cycling is fun!
Bicycle safety issues in India should not discourage you from cycling. Cycling is both an exhilarating experience and an excellent workout.
India hasn’t achieved cycling nirvana similar to the European countries yet. Here, we need to be extremely cautious when we go for a ride. A small mistake can prove to be very costly.
However, we can ensure our safety if we follow the tips discussed earlier such as always wearing a helmet when going on a ride (the most important!), improving your visibility to other road users, and practicing defensive cycling.
If you feel this article will be helpful for any of your bicyclist friends, go ahead and share it!
