If you’re an avid cyclist, you’ll already be familiar with the advantages of cycling. It’s good for your overall fitness, is environmentally friendly and reduces congestion on the road, not to mention the great sense of comradery that exists among the cycling community.

However, the cars you share the road with are much larger and more powerful than you are, so it is important to take proper precautions to protect yourself while cycling on the road. If you are injured in a car accident, a lawyer experienced in personal injury law can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

We caught up with some of Australia’s top experts in the bike industry, for their top cycling safety tips to help keep everyone safe on NSW roads.

Bicycle Express

The 1,000 square meter showroom at Bicycle Express carries products from the top cycling brands, including Trek, Cannondale, BMC, Lapierre, Pinarello and Willier. They can recommend the best products to help protect the safety of every rider, regardless of competency or age.

Cycling safety tip: Use common sense to determine the safest way to ride depending on your environment, says the family operated bike store. While riding two abreast may be legal, if you’re on a busy road it may not be a safe way to cycle. It is wise to be alert to all environmental conditions and ride accordingly. Roundabouts, parked cars, train and tram lines all add to the mix of potential hazards when on the road.

Recommended cycling safety gear: Choose light-coloured or reflective clothing, especially when riding at night. This will make it easier for drivers to see you. ‘Most manufacturers now produce high visibility clothing that is functional but also stylish and comfortable,’ says Bicycle Express.

RearViz

RearViz is the world’s first manufacturer of arm-mounted rear-view mirrors for cyclists. It has a fully-rotatable base and a mirror that pivots 180 degrees so you can position the mirror on your arm to see clearly what’s happening behind you.

Cycling safety tip: ‘Ensure you are up to date with the current cycling laws and regulations in your area, as they are regularly changing and differ between each state,’ says RearViz. On top of this, when making a manoeuvre that puts you into the path of other traffic, like turning, changing lanes or stopping, always make sure there’s ample time for other vehicles to react.

Recommended cycling safety gear: ‘Every car has rear view mirrors so why don’t bikes?’ asks RearViz. Using their product, you’ll be able to see any cars or other cyclists coming up behind you, making it easier for you to stay safe while on the road.

Lekker Bikes

Based in the cyclist haven of Amsterdam, LEKKER Bikes has taken the traditional Dutch style of bicycle and incorporated modern cycling technology. The result? A stylish bike with everything the Australian daily commuter could ask for in terms of ease.

Cycling safety tip: The biggest advantage Amsterdam cyclists have over those in NSW is that every motorist is also a cyclist, say the Dutch founders of LEKKER. This prevents the most common accidents that occur in Australia. Where Dutch motorists are on the lookout for cyclists, you can’t assume the same is true on NSW roads. Even if they do see you, the assumption they won’t can help keep you safe.

Recommended cycling safety gear: Lights are critical for every cyclist to have, say the cycling experts at LEKKER, whether for commuting or just having some fun riding around town. Not only do they help you to see at night, but they also help drivers to see you. Use them not just at night, but during the day as well.

Out of The Rat Race (OORR)

Eco-friendly OORR creates cycling clothing enhanced with coffee to help fight odours and improve performance. The stylish designs of their Pro Cycling Kit are based on research to illicit a cautionary reflex from passing drivers, meaning you don’t have to look like a construction worker to stay safe on your bike.

Cycling safety tip: Even if you believe that you have the right of way, don’t try to force it, says OORR. A car will beat you every time. It is better to wait until it is safe than to end up dead. If the worst should happen your nearest and dearest will be glad if you are carrying identification and medical information.

Recommended cycling safety gear: No cyclist should ever be without a helmet while riding, says OORR. Even if you are a highly experienced cyclist, accidents can still happen. In many cases, the accident may not even be your fault, but a helmet can save your life if you hit your head. Not only is it safer, but in NSW, it is also the law.

Knog

Known for its beautifully crafted bike accessories and gear, like lights, locks, bells and more, Knog has a philosophy of making things look as beautiful as they work.

Cycling safety tip: Make sure that you understand the rules of the road, say the designers. Cyclists have to follow the same rules as motorists do, so be sure to be a polite driver. Always be alert to your surroundings, and don’t assume that others will behave in the way you expect them to. For cyclists this means ‘signaling like you mean it and make yourself as visible as you can to other road riders.’

Recommended cycling safety gear: Not only is personal safety a priority for most cyclists, you also need to consider the safety of your beloved vehicle. Knog says, ‘when it comes to locking up your pride and joy, the most secure method would be to use multiple bike locks.’ They recommend a u-lock to lock your bike to a secure post or bike rack plus a chain or cable lock to better secure all components of your bike.

Bicycle SA

Bicycle SA is a South Australian organisation for all types of cyclists, from competitive athletes to casual riders. This non-profit hosts several community rides throughout the year for members to enjoy. No matter which state you’re cycling in, the cycling safety tips remain consistent.

Cycling safety tip: Don’t ever assume that drivers have seen you, even if you can’t understand how they possibly could have missed you. Aim to make eye contact whenever possible to ensure that the driver acknowledges you. Bicycle SA also encourages all cyclists to engage in an alert frame of mind; don’t go into autopilot just because it’s your usual route home. This could reduce the focus needed in case something unexpected happens.

Recommended cycling safety gear: The brakes on your bike should always be in top working order. ‘If you can’t stop quickly,’ says Bicycle SA, ‘you’re an accident waiting to happen.’ This means servicing your bike regularly so that your brakes and gears will always be in peak condition when you need them most.

Mountain Bikes Direct

Mountain Bikes Direct specialises in all types of gear related to mountain biking, including clothing, tools and accessories. It ships its products all across Australia from its primary location in Melbourne.

Cycling safety tip: Do everything you can to ensure that drivers can see you, says Mountain Bikes Direct. In addition to having a flashing light on the back of your bike, you can also attach a light to your shirt, helmet, handlebars, and anywhere else you like. The more attention you can draw to yourself, the better.

Recommended cycling safety gear: Mountain Bikes Direct says that one of the most overlooked pieces of safety gear are protective gloves. In the event of a fall, rather than scraping your palms on the ground as you instinctively brace yourself before you hit the ground, gloves will keep your palms safe. They can also make your ride more comfortable if they include padding.

Strider Sports Australia

Strider Sports Australia manufactures innovative training bikes for children aged 18 months and up. These bikes use balance, rather than training wheels, to teach kids to ride on two wheels right from the start, using their feet for additional support.

Cycling safety tip: Teach your children the rules of the road from a young age, says the bike distributer. The earlier they start to learn, the more embedded the lessons will become in their developing brains, keeping them safer for life. Teach them about hand signals, right of way and things to watch out for, like cars reversing out of driveways, parked cars opening their doors and blind spots.

Recommended cycling safety gear: In addition to a helmet and gloves, all children should wear elbow and knee pads as well when learning to ride a bike. ‘These protect little knees and elbows from bumps and scrapes when learning how to ride a balance bike,’ says Strider Sports Australia.

While it is virtually impossible to prevent all dangers while cycling, the tips outlined here will give you a better chance at being safe while on the road. Once you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, you and your family can get out on those roads and enjoy an active lifestyle on two wheels!