Top Ten Tips for Cyclists

1. Wear brightly-coloured and/or reflective clothing.
   This allows drivers to see you on the roads better, in all weather and lighting conditions. If possible, get bike-specific apparel such as jerseys and padded shorts, which give you greater comfort and mobility.

2. Have sufficient lighting and reflectors when cycling at night or in poorly-lit places.
   By law, cyclists must have a white front light and a red back light when cycling on roads at night. A flashing light is usually more visible than a steady-lit one, so make sure each of your lights has a flashing mode.

3. Obey traffic rules and regulations.
   The most common offences committed by cyclists include running red lights, cycling against the direction of traffic, and – surprisingly – reckless riding by speeding. Not having to be tested nor qualified for a licence does not exempt cyclists from the Traffic Code. While a bicycle is a highly mobile, cheap and environmentally friendly mode of transport, it must be remembered that in order for cyclists to be respected as a legitimate road users, they must ride their bicycles in a responsible manner.

4. Signal your intentions early and assertively.
   Make use of your arms to indicate direction of travel/turning/stopping. Avoid erratic weaving and changing of lanes. In the same way drivers need to make use of their blinking indicator lights and brake lights, cyclists need to learn the basic hand signals for ‘going straight’, ‘slowing’, stopping’, and ‘turning left/right’. These signals are also beneficial when cycling with other cyclists.

5. Always check to your rear for approaching vehicles, especially before changing lanes.
   Bicycles do not have rear-view mirrors; they move much slower than motorized vehicles; and given the fact that many modern cars now have very quiet-running engines – it is quite common for motor vehicles to appear much more quickly to the rear than cyclists realize. Check often by turning your head, or invest in a purpose-built, bicycle handlebar-mounted or helmet-mounted rear-view mirror.

6. Be alert when cycling next to stationary vehicles.
   Watch out for vehicles turning or doors being opened. Give yourself a sufficient clearance of at least 1.2 - 1.5 metres between yourself and the stationary vehicle.

   
   A cyclist negotiating a congested road at peak hour
   
   
   
7. Look out for fellow cyclists when cycling in a group – learn how to stay close while on the move and understand each others’ intentions via hand signals or verbal communication.
   The more often you ride in a group, the more confident you will become to the presence of other cyclists riding with you, and your bike handling skills will improve accordingly.
   
   
8. Do not weave between the footpaths and the road.
   Many cyclists still ride with the assumption that they can transition between road-bound vehicle to footpath user ‘seamlessly’ via pedestrian crossing ramps and zebra crossings. This is extremely dangerous and confuses both drivers and pedestrians as to the cyclist’s intentions.
   
   
9. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended.
   Although not required by Singaporean law, any self-respecting cyclist will understand how vital a helmet is in preventing serious head injury in the event of an accident. Invest in a cycling-specific helmet - one with internal padding, ventilation, a chin-strap, and made of lightweight material such as foam or plastic. These range in cost from $30 - $300 and are available at any bike store.
   
   
10. Cyclists must understand that a bicycle on the road is a vehicle and not a toy.
    One has to exercise certain rights, as well as responsibilities in ensuring one’s own safety and the safety of others, in order for other road users to respect one’s presence and space.