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We at Cycling Boutique have extensive cycling experience in and around India. heres Cycling Boutique's Guidelines for Safe bicycle rides in India
Bicycle safety on the road is your sole responsibility and to a large extent mistakes and mishaps can be avoided with a defensive and blending with the traffic way of riding style.
In country like India where cyclist is not a major socially adapted sport or lifestyle, often cyclists are considered less important on the ride or often unexpected by motorists - making them consider it as a nuisance and trying to disturb or corner off the bicyclist from the road.
As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. Be predictable, be alert, and be responsible.
Due to the widest range of people of all driving skills, attitude and lack of discipline often you will see motorists do all kind of crazy ways of riding in this part of the world. Hence always ride in an assumption that the drivers around may make mistakes at any given time! - prepare for a counter action from you and defensive style of riding!. Always avoid arguments and road rages if you see that the motorists are making mistakes as it will not results in pleasant rides! - Just smile, wave and leave if situations are not heated.
1. Ride predictably, just as you would if you were operating a motor vehicle. Blending in with the normal traffic flow is the safest way to ride.
2. Always ride on the left side of the roadway, with the flow of traffic. Riding on the left significantly increases your chances of being involved in a crash, especially at intersections, where motorists won’t expect you to be. RIDING ON THE LEFT IS THE LAW.
3. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and other traffic control devices.
4. Always yield to overtaking traffic, and then signal before turning or changing lanes.
5. Ride in consistent lines as much as possible, without sudden deviations or change of lane, unless the law and traffic conditions allow you to ride on unusual lanes.
6. Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians when traffic law requires you to do so.
7. Be highly visible. Wear light, bright-coloured clothing in daylight. At dusk and when it’s dark, be sure to use a bright white headlight and a red rear blinker light (or at least a reflector). To make yourself even more visible at night, use additional reflectors on your bicycle and consider wearing reflective material on your body.
8. Always look behind you before turning or changing lanes. If you use a mirror, remember to look back, too, so you don’t miss seeing an overtaking vehicle in your mirror. It is your job to see that the way is clear before turning or changing lanes.
9. Maintain your bicycle regularly so it is safe and dependable. Cycling Boutique offers finest workshop services for all kind of bicycle service and repair services in India.
10. Carry all your luggage on a rack, in bike bags or in panniers. A backpack may also be used for light loads but make sure the straps are pulled tight so the bag doesn’t dislodge while riding. DO NOT hang packages off the handlebars or carry them in your lap.
11. Choose your route carefully, using a bike map or GPS device if available. If possible, choose wider roads with less traffic and slower speeds. Always choose roads that are within your skill level (training, experience, competence).
12. Give your full attention to traffic and the road surface. Beware of such road hazards as rocks, potholes, gravel, careless people driving from opposite directions and dogs. Do not accelerate when you encounter agitated dog/s on the road - try to slow down or stop in a safer way.
13. ALYWAS WEAR A HELMET, though it looks very awkward (Avoid very fancy designs if you are touring in country sides). All of the above safety will help to prevent a crash or fall. A helmet and gloves will protect you in the event that a crash or a fall cannot be avoided.
14. Always assume that the fellow motorists cannot see you well on the road. The wisest thing you can do is to illuminate your bike with strongest rear lights (never static, but in blinking mode) and also blinking front white light. This can surely help you get attention from the drivers and keep you safe on the road to a great extend.
15. Always try to keep your identity, critical emergency contact, blood group information easily accessible for the emergency rescuers.
16. When behaved properly, people respect you in great and accommodate ways, when you are on a bicycle - they may feed you, invite for home food or even offer a free stay on a tour. It's you to be the "localite" when you are cycling a remote place. Respect the local culture, language, traditions - they will take care of you very well. Avoid all kind of uncultured / foul languages etc. especially if you are riding in a group. Never do things that invite disrespect for you or your group, as this can not only bite back later or can loose critical help from those strangers who would have got annoyed with your behaviour.
17. Never disclose your bike's actual cost! (especially if it's a premium bike). This can bring in unwanted attention, jealously and all kind of remote consequences you can think of.
18. It's usually safe to ride in any part of India in nights, but always check the local news, general history of areas you ride through. When in trouble, get in touch with the local police stations to enquire and move on.
19. Public place camping is not familiar to Indian culture and societies. Always get proper permissions or support from genuine owners or landlord's permissions to keep a sleeping tent or parking bike overnight etc. On emergencies, if you are really getting stuck on the road, you may visit the nearest police station to get a minor support to hang around in the night times. You may also try the public petrol stations to use rest rooms or take a power nap. Always evaluate the situations, try getting empathy and support from the staffs in-charge. Tip them well if needed for the kind gesture!
If you are getting stuck on your rides and need generic help, while riding in India - feel free to ping Cycling Boutique Support for generic guidance queries.
