We all start out learning how to ride a bike as kids, and despite the support we get from those two extra wheels, there’s always time for our parents to give us the rundown on cycling do’s and don’ts. As time passes, we eventually aim for having a car because, to be honest, having your own four-wheel vehicle really is convenient. 

However, as costs for transportation increased during the pandemic, people were gradually taking a step back to look at the options for less expensive transportation. Now, people are more open to rediscovering the joy of cycling. It’s a great suggestion, but the question is: are bicycles genuinely secure?

If your mom is like mine and worries about your safety, I’m pretty sure she’ll tell you how dangerous the roads are, especially in the Philippines where, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), 130 people died and 6,405 were injured in cycling accidents from 2017 to 2021 within NCR.

What are we to do when we don’t want to use private vehicles or commute, you ask? Well, as the friend who parents always trust, I’m sharing a few biking tips to keep you safe, and your parents stress free:

• Always prepare
  BEFORE you go, you need to know what you’re riding, to where, for how long, and when. Check the weather, your gear, kits, and equipment to make sure you’re safe and ready to go. 
  
  
• Be mindful of what you wear
  Bike accidents are usually caused by drivers who have limited visibility on a busy road. Wear reflective garments or attach reflective materials to your bike so that they can see you’re there and reduce the chances of unexpected events. Remember to WEAR A HELMET. 
  
  
• Know the road
  Know the laws and road etiquette (such as hand signals when biking), as well as your safety routes, lanes, and traffic flows. Know who you’re riding with and keep them in mind when you’re moving.  
  
  
• Be Awake and be alert.
  Just like when driving, don’t travel with your eyes half-closed and always check your six. Make sure that you keep an eye out for any hazards that may cause you potential harm. 
  
  
• And lastly, keep calm and connected
  There will be times when you get into trouble. Find a way to solve the problem rationally, not rashly. To avoid any misunderstandings, always keep yourself updated with what’s new on the road and in the community. It’s better to be sure than to be sorry.
  

Despite the existence of bike lanes, the safety of our cyclists still isn’t ensured. There are still people out there who will park their cars and scoot their motorcycles in where only bicycles are supposed to be. So needless to say, mom’s warnings aren’t for naught. 

Image by Nadine Cortez