Tips You Should Apply to Protect Cyclists

When we are behind the wheel, the first thing we think about is ourselves, but we also have to take care of other cars, pedestrians, and sometimes cyclists.

Cycling is a sport that has become popular since vaccination began, as people are eager to get out of the house and get on the bike. So much so that in some parts of Europe there is a waiting list of months to get a new bike.

For this reason, now that more young people are joining cycling, it is even more important to consider what we can do to protect them from our vehicles. Here we bring you three tips to achieve this.

Don't be careless with the doors

A piece of advice that is never enough is to try to open, whenever you can, your car door with your right hand. This way you turn around every time you need to get out of your car and you can see whether or not cyclists are coming after you.

Some cyclists stick to cars, either out of necessity, ignorance, or a heightened sense of security, and are unable to react when people open the doors. If you check who is behind you every time you go to get out of your vehicle you can avoid these types of accidents.

Give them plenty of space

A basic rule of thumb on the street or highway is to give the vehicle in front enough room to react in the event of an unforeseen event. This need not be different for cyclists. We review several specialized blogs on the subject and they recommend that the minimum space that should be given to a cyclist in front of you is 1.5 meters. Remember that the stress of having a car in the back can make people more prone to accidents.

This tip, of course, must be modified according to the environmental conditions. When it rains, for example, falls are more common, so you'll want to give riders even more space when the clouds are dark.

You must also take into account the state of the road where you are traveling. If it is well paved, no problem, but on a road full of holes they will need more room to maneuver.

Also read: Infographic: Tour de France: How much does a professional cyclist's kit cost?

Watch the signs of cyclists

A good cyclist knows to use his arms instead of directional to signal that he is going to turn. If you have one of these athletes in front of you, you should pay attention to these signs periodically to anticipate what they may do.

On the other hand, not all cyclists are so well educated. In some cases, they just look back, or turn without warning like a bad driver. When this happens, remember to give it even more space and try to anticipate your decisions. Slow down if there is a curve nearby and let reckless cyclists know that they should give some kind of signal for their own safety.