6.           Be Visible, Night and Day

(a)             The most frequent excuse that motorists proffer after hitting a cyclist is "I didn't see him".

(b)          Always wear neon, florescent, or other bright colours when cycling.

(c)          If you are cycling towards a morning sunrise or a setting sun and visibility ahead is glary.  It will also be glary for motorists behind you so try and cycle as far to the LHS as possible to avoid a sudden jolt from behind.

(d)          It is far more dangerous to cycle at night than during the day, and more so on a wet night.  Most bicycles are equipped for daylight use and need to be adapted for night-time use.

(d)             If you must ride at night, then ensure that you are lit up like a three dimensional Christmas tree:    
·       Ride with reflectors on your bike, ankles, pedals, wrists, back, and helmet.  

·       Add the brightest lights you can find to the front (white) and rear (flashing red) on your bicycle and helmet.

·       Only ride in areas familiar to you. Brightly lit streets are best. Always assume you are not seen by a driver.

 

For more information about the frequency, quantum and types of bicycle accidents and fatalities see -

(i)         "Report on Cyclists Deaths - July 2006" which comments on Deaths of cyclists due to road crashes" dated July 2006 prepared by Australian Transport Safety Bureau for the 12 year period from 1995 to July 2006

(ii)         Statistics & Common Crashes

(iii)        Report on cars colliding with cyclists.