ABCs in safe group bike rides 

They are omnipresent in Bohol’s main roads now. You drive and in less than 10 kilometers, a group of bikers hug the right lane, some of them clearly without the proper gears. 

Pushed to pick a hobby at a time when even some self-confessed bikers just hop on the saddle without learning about safety rule, amateurs are picking up the bad habits they see in older riders. 

After months of being detained in the homes, people are now starting to come out, and many are determined to do it, some disregarding traffic rules. 

For them and for those who say they are professional cyclists but wear their bike helmets haphazardly, we pooled some 10 basic bike safety rules that could go a long way to keep our cyclists safe and away from potential injuries. 

Here are ten bike safety rules arranged in simple ABCs, every amateur biker must know and learn by heart. 

AIR. Check out the air as inflated in your bike. Under-inflation means your efforts to propel the bike is doubled or tripled. Under-inflation may work out great in trails, because it grips for better traction. Over-inflation may also explode the tube, and you would not want this to happen when you are in an unfamiliar dirt road far from home. 

BRAKES – Check if the brake is reliable enough to get you to an easy stop, not as abruptly as the biker on your tail may use you to stop his bike. Grip with a single finger, that way you have maximum control of the bike while keeping enough power to bring the bike to a coast. Adjust the brake levers so does not hit the handle bars or or your other fingers 

CROSS INTERSECTIONS RIGHT – Imagine your-self as a driver because you are. When there is traffic light, follow as a vehicle, not as pedestrian, unless you walk your bike. Keep cadence too. Go find the best gear combination on the bike, one that is light and yet gets you the right speed, and keep that cadence. 

DRESS RIGHT. There is a reason why speed bikers use tight spandex, it offers lesser air resistance. And it’s much cooler on long rides. Gloves are important for your safety, in case you’d spill. A good padded cycling shorts can help for a comfortable ride. And shoes, they are better if they do not have shoelaces that are not tucked well as loose shoelaces can get caught in the cranks and spokes and cause you to crash. Invest on cleats, if you’re planning to go for long rides. For bikes, we recommend you use bright, easy to spot jersey colors so drivers can see you as you see them. 

EARS ON, EARPHONES OFF. Group fun rides need total focus as you would be riding close to each other and a signal could not be heard when you have your ears plugged. 

FOLLOW RIDE RULES. Bike group rides should not totally occupy the roads, in fact, ideally, riders two-abreast should be followed so as not to occupy the whole road. Ride buddy system, or ride in line with the lead and aline with rider beside. Ride one bike length apart, or with enough space for a rider abreast to swing and your handlebars free from getting clipped. 

GOOD HAND SIGNALS are always a must. Be predictable, do not weave in and out of traffic. When turning left, drop your left hand, palms out on the sides for greater visibility. Drop the right arm and palms when turning right. Since the riders behind you are out looking at the wheel in front, they may not see upcoming obstacles. Signal to them to swing left or right by bringing and waving your left palm or right palm from behind your saddle. For potholes or other obstacles, point to them as you pass. Or shout ‘pothole,’ ‘rock’ or ‘broken glass. When passing is necessary, shout, “Biker on the left.” When stopping or breaking out, the hand signal is a right fist up over the shoulder, and then let fist open into a palm, and signal turning right. After fixing your problem, rejoin ride with your buddy at the tail end of the ride. Never ever pass on the left. 

HELMET – Always wear proper helmets. And strap it tight enough that when it is fitted with the strap, the helmet gets snug in the head when you open your mouth. The ‘y’ part of the strap on the side of your helmet should fit around your ears, clipping with it your eye protection or eyeglasses. 

INSTALL BLINKERS – Blinkers can help drivers or pedestrians see you better. Even on daytimes, blinkers can help, apart from helping you navigate in darkness. 

JUST ENJOY. Biking is a very good sport and exercise that has its own premiums. Always make sure you stretch and get loose when you ride out and find enough time to recover after a ride. Stretching can keep those cramps away too. Enjoy and share the road by riding safely. (rahchiu/PIA-7/Bohol) 

WALKING YOUR BIKE. While some new bike riders totally disregard traffic rules endangering their lives and the lives of pedestrian, always take note, when you are on your bike, consider yourself as a vehicle, so follow basic traffic rules for safety. (PIABohol) 

RIDE TWO ABREAST AND AT LEAST ONE BIKE LENGTH BEHIND. For safety group rides, always consider that two bikers riding abreast is approximately one medium car sized road occupant. Keep a safe distance behind, enough for you to grab the brakes so you do not tail-end the biker ahead. (PIABohol)

GEAR UP RIGHT. Ride with secure helmets on, shoes with tucked laces and bike seatposts on proper height, keep safe distance from the rider beside you to be free from clipping his handlebars as you move. (PIABohol)