Bicycle safety. 5 signs to avoid accidents on the bike

One thing is very clear, for those who are passionate about practicing the sport of cycling we only need to have a bicycle and a road at our disposal to make km and km. However, much to our regret, that is not enough, for our safety it is very important that a cyclist has enough information about road safety regulations for cyclists and the signs to warn of possible obstacles or maneuvers on the road.

In recent years we are witnessing a resurgence of the bicycle due to the construction of bike lanes in many cities and the use of other alternative means of transport. If you are a bicycle user, you should know how to signal the turns and movements so that the drivers of the cars can know your intentions, or to warn your departure partners that there is an obstacle or danger on the road. And thus avoid unnecessary accidents.

When we go out in a group we have to know how to signal the maneuvers on the bike and do it clearly enough and in advance so that, in this way, the others understand perfectly what our intentions are.

Hand signaling is the fastest and easiest way to indicate the dangers and maneuvers that we are going to perform. Road communication of a cyclist is based on body gestures. It is important to make these signals with your hands before performing any maneuver, although we believe they are not necessary, since in this way we increase your safety, that of your companions and that of people in general who circulate on any road.

Before I talk to you about the 5 signs to avoid accidents on the bike, you have to be clear about some road safety regulations for road cyclists.

• Cyclists can cycle on dual carriageways but not on highways (to ride on dual carriageways the cyclist must be over 14 years old).
• Cyclists can circulate in parallel with 2 columns. The General Directorate of Transit (DGT) mentions that these should go “always on the right side”.
• Cyclists when riding on any road, it is mandatory to do so on the hard shoulder (the lateral margin of the road) In case it is in poor condition or is nonexistent, cyclists can use the essential part of the road.


 

5 signs to avoid accidents on the bike.

1 - Turn left signal.

If the road is one-way: you should be located, as close as possible to the left edge of the road and signal the maneuver with sufficient time.

If the road is two-way: It is necessary to adhere to the longitudinal or median longitudinal mark and if it does not exist on the axis of the road, without invading the area destined to the opposite direction, signaling with time.

If the interurban road does not have a conditioned lane for this turn: For the left turn, it must be placed on the right, outside the road whenever possible and start it from that place, signaling previously.

If the intercity road has a conditioned lane for this turn: Position it well in advance and turn when the signaling permits. It can be signaled with the left arm in a horizontal position with the palm of the hand extended down or, with the right arm bent up, also with the palm of the hand extended.
 

2 - Turn right signal. 

To signal this maneuver we will be as close as possible to the right edge of the road, moderating the speed and making sure that the turn can be made.

We will signal this maneuver with the left arm, bending it upwards with the palm of the hand extended or, with the right arm, in a horizontal position with the palm of the hand extended downwards.
 

3 - Hand signal that indicates that you have to stop.

If you have the need to brake suddenly, you should indicate it by moving your arm from top to bottom with short and fast movements.

You have to stretch your arm above the head with the palm of your hand extended or if we have to stop abruptly and do not have time to signal with the hand because there is a potential danger for our partners we must shout the word "stop".

There is also another option, you have to extend your left arm down with the palm of your hand extended backwards, so that the driver who follows you can see it.
 

4 - Hole or obstacle signals 

If we are pulling a group, we will surely be the first to see the holes or obstacles that are on the road, the way to signal it with the hand is pointing with the extended arm the area where the hole or obstacles are, and we point with the index finger, we can also make circular movements while pointing the obstacle.
 

5 - Sign of parked cars 

Like the previous case, if we are leading a group, and we see that we are approaching a danger like a car, we must indicate it with the arm that is on the same side of the danger and put it behind us and indicate the direction that the group must continue to avoid this obstacle, car or similar.


 

“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. The passenger is his engine". John Howard.

The good communication with the rest of cyclists or vehicles that circulate on the road can make you stay safe while riding a bicycle, and practicing these 5 signs can prevent you from having the occasional scare on the bicycle.

Are you coming to cycle on Lanzarote?

Come to Lanzarote to practice all these road signs on one of our rental bicycles.

Do not hesitate to contact us, we will advise you on the best routes to visit Lanzarote and we will put at your disposal the rental of the best bicycles that adapt to your needs.

21 años de experiencia sobre el mundo de la bicicleta nos avalan.