We come back from vacation and get on the bike to go to work, do some shopping or train. Bartłomiej Wawak, the current Polish mountain bike champion, tells you how to ride so as not to hurt yourself and others.
How to cycle around the city so as not to endanger yourself and other road users? How to dress so that the clothes do not restrict movement? Bartłomiej Wawak, the Polish mountain biking champion, talks about this and the value of a smile and kindness on the road.
Safety first
If we have a longer commute to work, let's decide on a sports outfit that we will change after arriving at the company. Long coats and dresses not only have a negative impact on the comfort, but can also cause them to get caught in the bicycle's elements. On the other hand, tight pants or jackets will restrict movement. The bicycle path is not a fashion show. It is more important than the appearance that the garment is comfortable and does not restrict movement.
- First of all, we must remember about our safety. The days are getting shorter and shorter, so we often leave and come back when it's dark outside. The basis should be a helmet, lighting and reflective elements that will support our visibility on the road or bicycle path.
Personally, I think that blinking lights by the bike do not have a positive effect on safety. I often pass cyclists in the late evenings and have the feeling that they are difficult to spot from a distance. I am definitely a supporter of fixed bicycle lights - says Bartłomiej Wawak, the current Polish mountain biking champion, competitor of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles MTB Team.
Choosing the road - when along the street, when along the path, and when along the sidewalk?
Road traffic regulations regulate the rules of cycling in detail. If there is a bicycle lane along the road or there is a separate bicycle lane, the cyclist is obliged to use them. Driving on the pavement is allowed under three exceptions: with a child under 10 years of age, in extremely unfavorable conditions or when: the pavement is at least 2 m wide, and traffic on the road is allowed at a speed of over 50 km / h (in built-up areas).
- However, we must also remember that we are the guests on the pavement and we have to watch out for pedestrians, not them for us - adds Bartłomiej Wawak.
Important:if forthere is no bicycle path for pedestrians, you need to guide your bike through the zebra. Otherwise, we risk a fine.
A one-way road or entry ban also applies to two-wheelers. Driving against the flow is not only breaking the rules, but also exposing yourself and others to a collision. Any hard braking or turning can potentially lead to a collision. Cyclists must remember that airbags or the bodywork will not protect them in the event of an impact.
Where are you going? Show it!
The key to road safety is also signaling your intentions. Other road users cannot predict what we want to do if we do not show it in advance. By not using any maneuver signals, we are actually risking an accident. It should be a habit, like turning on a turn signal while driving.
The bell is not arrogant!
The bell is often associated with rude "chasing" others - is it right? Should we use it?
- In fact, it happens that cyclists abuse it, e.g. by driving on a sidewalk on which they are not allowed to enter. However, a bicycle bell is needed and will often help us chase some pedestrians away from the bicycle path or, when avoiding or overtaking, inform us that we are behind - the athlete continues.
Let's get ahead with the head
Cyclists' pace varies. Some people can reach their destination maintaining the training pace, others never rush. Hence, often one is ahead of the other. Is it safe? - If there is a place for this, why not overtake someone? We can use a bicycle bell that someone will hear in front of us or simply call "I'm sorry" in a friendly manner and, passing another participant of the traffic, smile in thanks for leaving - the expert advises.
Bike in public transport
Heavy rain, caught rubber - in such cases, we often decide to put the two-wheeler on a tram or bus. Importantly, only in some cities you can transport your bike free of charge in public transport. You should always remember to take a specially designated place. However, if a disabled person or a guardian with a child appears on the bus or tram, we may be asked to leave the vehicle.
Smile and openness will help
Whenever it is possible, let's try to give way to faster vehicles, because their drivers, riding in a stretched rope, will not be delighted … Sometimes a little bit of good intentions is enough.
- Our positiveenergy not only on the bike, but also in everyday life, will certainly make our lives easier, as exemplified by my constantly smiling and talking wife. Better a smile than a frown on your face. And the best smile combined with politeness or a joke - ends Wawak.