Safe Cycling Guide
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Photo by: Eldrige Chang Safe Cycling Guide Think Safe. Play Safe. Stay Safe. LIVE BETTER THROUGH SPORts A Sports Safe Singapore Sport Singapore (SportSG) recognises that safety must be a fundamental component of our sporting culture and a prerequisite for a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, SportSG has set a goal of zero injuries, in a belief that all accidents are preventable. Emphasising the need for personal accountability, SportSG also urges people to be responsible for the safety of others. ActiveSG’s first Sports Safety Division was formed in 2006 directly under the purview of the CEO’s office. It is tasked to promote safety throughout Singapore’s sporting community and to inculcate a safety first mentality in every stakeholder. For more information, please visit sportsingapore.gov.sg/sports-education/sports-safety Acknowledgement Sport Singapore would like to thank and acknowledge the various organisations and individuals who have participated in the consultation process of the production of this guide. The feedback and suggestions greatly improved the final delivery of this publication. Australia and New Zealand Safe Cycling Task Force Association Cycling sctf.org.sg anza.org.sg Government of Western Singapore Amateur Australia – Department for Cycling Association Planning and Infrastructure cycling.org.sg wa.gov.au Health Promotion Board Singapore Police Force – of Singapore Traffic Police hpb.gov.sg spf.gov.sg Land Transport Authority Singapore Road Safety Council lta.gov.sg srsc.org.sg National Parks Board Triathlon Association of Singapore nparks.gov.sg triathlonsingapore.org Think Safe. Play Safe. Stay Safe. Another initiative by the Safety Management DIvision, ActiveSG CONTENTS Introduction 1 Essentials Of Safe Cycling 2 Basic Safety Tips 4 Cycling Safely At Night 5 Challenges On The Road 6 Safety Guidelines For Young Children 10 Helping Young Children Learn To Ride Safely 11 Choosing A Bicycle 13 Choosing Accessories 15 Basic Bicycle Maintenance 18 Cycling For Health & Fitness 21 Before You Cycle 23 Cycling And The Law 25 Code Of Conduct 29 Park Connector Network (PCN) Etiquette 30 Foldable Bicycles On Buses And Trains 31 Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is intended for general information only. Sport Singapore, the content contributors and the distributors of this publication will not bear any responsibility for any action taken or any reliance placed as a result of reading any part or all the information provided in this publication, or for any error, flaw or deficiency in or any omission from the information provided. Sport Singapore and its partners in sport safety/health promotion make no warranty of non-infringement, reliability or fitness for any particular purpose, or warranty of any kind, express or implied, in relation to the information provided in this publication. Readers shall use it with discretion, and shall exercise care and diligence for their own and/other charges’ personal safety. Copyright Sport Singapore owns the rights to, or is permitted to reproduce, the information and materials provided in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied for any commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Sport Singapore. 2 INTRODUCTION The way to safe cycling is to remember S A F E Standardisation Alert Fitting Helmet Etiquette � Set the standards for safe cycling and cycle defensively � Always stay visible and never assume that a motorist has seen you � Always stay alert and predictable � Always follow the highway code � Wear protective and safety gear to reduce the risk of injury and harm � Always look out for other road users or hazards � Make sure that they are aware of your presence � Be courteous to other road and path users � Treat them with the same consideration as you Photo By: Phillip Au would expect of them 1 ESSENTIALS OF SAFE CYCLING Here is a list of essential items that could enhance your safety when cycling: Once the sizing pads are in, the helmet must Helmet not wobble in any Cyclists should ensure that: direction before the � They wear helmets that meet approved standards straps are fastened. � The helmet is worn at all times on roads and The helmet should paths that are accessible to the public not tilt back. Instead, � The retention straps on the helmet are correctly it must remain level fastened at all times on your head. � Children in child carriers also wear fitting helmets that comply with the approved standards � Helmets are changed every 2 to 3 years even if they appear to be in good condition � They replace the helmet immediately after a collision or if it has been hit by objects on the road a) Fit A snug fit is essential when buying a helmet. Choose one with an internal shape that closely matches the shape and size of your head. Do not rely on sizing pads to ‘take up the slack’. Try the helmet first without the pads. Next, use your index finger to check the space between your head and the inner polystyrene. If your finger slides in easily, the space is probably too big. If the space varies from front to side, there is probably a mismatch between the helmet and the shape of your head. b) Visibility Choose a bright or fluorescent coloured helmet to remain visible. Refrain from black or other dark coloured helmets as they are harder to be seen. c) Air Vents They allow air circulation so that you stay cool. While comfort matters, choosing a helmet with many or excessively large vents will offer less protection. 2 d) Helmet safety standards There are a number of internationally recognised safety standards for bicycle helmets. Inside every helmet, there should be stickers that spell out the safety specifications. Here is a list of some helmet safety specifications to look out for: � Snell Memorial Foundation • CPSC • EN1078 • American National Standard Institute � ANSA Z-90.4 • ASTM (Do note that shatter-tests do not extend to visors.) Clothing Wear bright or fluorescent colours such as orange and yellow to ensure that you remain visible. While not essential for safety, Lycra knicks and gloves can improve your riding comfort. Do not wear bell bottom or baggy trousers as they might entangle with the bicycle gear. Avoid flip flop sandals when cycling as they tend to slip off. Instead, wear shoes or closed and strapped sandals. Bell A bell helps you to warn pedestrians of your presence. When approaching pedestrians or slow moving cyclists from the rear, always ring your bell. Sound the bell when you are about 30 metres from them. This is to prevent them from making sudden moves when you are near them. Mirrors These help you see what is happening around you. The most popular mirrors are small, circular and come with stems that clip onto the handlebars. Small mirrors that attach to helmets are also available. Lights In times of low visibility, it is mandatory to have a white light at the front of the bicycle and a red light or red reflector at the rear*. Both must be visible from a reasonable distance. Bicycles in Singapore are prohibited from having a red light at the front. For the rear, only red reflectors or lights are permitted. 3 *Source: Road Traffic Act (CHAPTER 278, SECTION 140) as of 15 April 2009 BASIC SAFETY TIPS Choosing the right bicycle frame will ensure that you can mount and dismount safely. When straddling a normal bicycle, the distance between your crotch and the top tube of the main bicycle frame should be at least 3cm. For mountain bicycles, the distance is about 8cm. Seat height Adjust the height of the seat by placing your heel on the pedal at its lowest point – while ensuring that your leg is straight at full stretch. Your knees should be slightly bent when you are in the proper pedalling position – with the balls of your feet on the pedal. If your hips/pelvis sways from side to Handlebars that are side, the seat is too high. too high or low and too close or far apart Seat position may cause aches in Adjust the seat so that your feet are placed naturally the neck, shoulder, above the pedals. Some riders may prefer a seat that back and hands. The is tilted slightly to the front or to the back. However, seats tilting excessively upwards may lead to pressure wrong angle of the points. Injuries may occur when seats tilt excessively handlebar may also downwards. lead to numbness in the palms. Handlebar angle / height Handlebars are available in different widths and the sizes vary according to the type of bicycle. For racing or touring bicycles, they should be about the same width as your shoulders. Handlebars that are too close/far may cause pain in the neck, shoulder, back and hands. Riding with the wrong handlebar angle can also lead to numbness in the palms of your hands. Mountain bicycles can have handlebars that are a little wider. For an upright position, set the handlebars higher than the seat. Setting the handlebar at the same height as the seat will give a slightly forward riding position. 4 CYCLING SAFELY AT NIGHT Cycling at night can be as enjoyable as cycling in the day. Tip 1 - Night riding: You just need to exercise more caution. Recognise the Tilt the front light dangers and dress accordingly. Remember that it is vital to the eye level of for all riders to remain visible at all times. cars to increase the visibility of your If you cycle after dark, the law mandates that your bicycle. bicycle has a continuous white light in front and a red light or reflector at the rear. While prices vary drastically, do not make your decision based on price alone.