Biking to class is a great way to save time, get some exercise, and reduce your carbon footprint on campus. However, some danger and risk come when riding a bike in crowded campus areas with pedestrians, cars, and other bikers. To stay safe, it is essential to understand the variables involved in biking around campus and staying protected. Here are seven must-haves that will help keep you safe and on track while biking around campus.

1. Always Wear a Helmet

It might go without saying, but wearing a helmet is the most critical thing you can do to prevent an injury while biking. Accidents can happen at any moment, whether you’re onyour way across campus or the city. A helmet could distinguish between a scraped elbow and a catastrophic injury. Make sure your helmet fits properly and is certified.
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2. Use Proper Lighting and Reflective Gear

If you bike around campus early or late at night, ensure you are visible. If you have lights mounted on your bike's front and rear, this helps others see you. Reflective equipment can also help drivers and pedestrians see you. Many of these accidents happen because others do not see the cyclist. The more visible you are, the safer your ride will be.

3. Follow Traffic Laws

Riding a bike does not allow you to behave like you want. You need to follow the road laws to be safe and ensure the safety of others.

These are some of the rules to stick to:
● Stop at Signals: Come to a halt at red lights and stop signs, like you were driving a car, to avoid accidents at junctions.
● Ride in the Flow of Traffic: Bike with traffic, not against it. Doing otherwise increases confusion and the chance of a collision.
● Hand Signals: Give hand signals when you’re turning so that drivers and othercyclists know when you plan to make a turn.
● Stay In Designated Lanes: Use bike lanes when possible, and avoid pedestrian walkways and car lanes. By following these rules, you protect yourself, and by making your actions predictable,you help those around you navigate safely, too.

4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The campus is confused and distracted; people jump between parked cars, cars pull out of parking spaces, and other cyclists veer onto or off your shared lane. Stay alert, and commit to keeping your riding dynamic and responsive rather than rote. Being aware ofyour surroundings lets you react immediately, whether to a pedestrian two wheels down or a car turning unsafely.

5. Keep Your Bike in Good Condition

A properly maintained bike is less likely to bite you: check the pressure in your tyres regularly, ensure your brakes work well, and oil your chain so it moves smoothly. A mechanical issue caught you by surprise, and you fell and broke your arm. You would have avoided an accident if you had spent just five minutes lubricating your chain. While any kind of bike riding can lead to accidents, being vigilant about your bike maintenance will reduce mechanical accidents.

6. Choose Safe Routes

Sometimes, even though all campus roads are cyclist-friendly, in some sections of the road, you might find heavier traffic and more pedestrians compared to the other sections.Therefore, plan your cycling route, choosing roads meant for cyclists or having bike lanes.If you decide to go along roads intended for vehicular traffic, select the time of the day that only sees moderate traffic, especially if you are a beginner. It will ensure a safer ride and a more enjoyable commute.

7. Lock Your Bike Securely

Riding safely is essential, but there’s nothing like knowing your bike is safe when you aren’t riding. Always lock your bike to a bike rack, and always use a sturdy lock, like a U-lock, to make it less attractive for thieves. Bike theft is a significant problem on campuses,and stopping at the library or dining hall for five minutes can result in a bad day if your bike is gone when you return.

Ride Smart, Stay Safe

Biking is a great way to get around campus – fun, easy, and fast. You can follow these practical steps to stay safe while biking on campus. Wear your helmet. If you don't, you are at risk of getting a head injury that could be fatal. Besides a helmet, wear something that makes you visible, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and follow traffic rules. Your shoes can easily get entangled in your bicycle. A locked bicycle is lesslikely to be stolen than one that is not closed. Maintain your bicycle and bring it home if itis unsafe to park where you usually leave it. Even though you might think you are being cautious, strange and unexpected things can still happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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