STAY AHEAD IRELAND Stay Ahead Winter Ready Edition | Page 36

36 page Advice and tips on how to stay safe while cycling on Irish roads. Cycling is a common means of transport in Ireland. It’s popular for several reasons: it’s great exercise, it’s cheap and it cuts down on travel time, especially during rush-hour. But cyclists are also a vulnerable category of road user. Every year there are several cycling fatalities on Irish roads and countless collisions involving cyclists. A bicycle is not a toy! When you take your bicycle onto the road, you will be travelling with many other vehicles which are bigger and faster – and much more dangerous. Is the bicycle the right size for you? Riding a bicycle which is too big or too small is very dangerous. When on the saddle, both your feet should touch the ground. Is the bicycle working properly? • If you are buying a new bicycle, ask the salesperson to tell you all about it.Find out how to look after your bike and keep it working properly. • If you are buying a used bicycle, get an expert to check it carefully before you buy. • Whether new or used, check your bicycle regularly. If something is not working properly do not use your bicycle until it is fixed. “It’s the law to have a bell on your bike at all times and to have working lights.”