As the pandemic turned the world on its heads with the implementation of social distancing and reduced transportation capacity guidelines, people took to the streets on their bikes to get to their destinations. While the biking community has steadily grown through the years, the safety of cyclists on the road is still a point of concern for most.
In 2021 alone, MMDA has reported 2,397 bike crashes with 33 of these being fatal. Unfortunately, these numbers only take into account accidents that have been officially reported. Meaning there are cyclists who have gotten into trouble due to poor safety conditions but chose to shake it off and move on. But just because these aren’t reported, doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be addressed.
In this article, we give four ways on how to make the roads safer for cyclists in the country. Keep reading to learn more!
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Obeying Traffic Rules
One of the first steps to making a more bike friendly world is, something that can make the roads safer for everyone, and it’s obeying traffic rules.
Following traffic rules such as complying with road signs, adhering to stop lights, and giving way to pedestrians are just some of the simplest ways to make the roads safer for everyone.
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Refreshing Drivers Education
While new driver’s license applicants are required to take a rigorous program that involves theory and driving application, older drivers may not have had that benefit. With roads changing and new developments taking place, it’s clear that a refresher for those renewing their license is a step in the right direction.
Nonetheless, road education shouldn’t be limited to those with motor vehicles. Cyclists can also benefit from getting a refresher on these rules and learning foundational cycling knowledge. Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road.
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Monitoring Bike Lanes
Bike lanes are a welcome addition to those who cycle as part of their daily commute but, some lanes are deemed unsafe due to potholes, obstructions, and garbage.
Potholes located on the bike lane are dangerous because they can lead to cyclists getting knocked off balance or thrown off their bikes. While obstructions such as parked cars, electric poles, and trees mean that cyclists can’t stay within their lane, and thus need to switch to a busier lane with fast-moving vehicles. Waste and garbage on the other hand are dangerous for bikers, especially if there’s broken glass because it can result in flat tires and damaged equipment.
Monitoring bike lanes and ensuring that they’re clear of any dangers is one way to keep cyclists safe from harm. This means filling up potholes whenever reported, removing garbage when seen, and cracking down on drivers who are parked in the lane.
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Protecting Bike Lanes
Some communities add barriers to the bike lane to protect cyclists from traffic. This practice is usually executed on highways and busy roads that have no establishments. There are several ways to cordon off bike lanes, some cities make use of concrete barriers while others, make use of brightly colored plastic cones.
Additionally, one way to protect the bike lane is to make sure that it’s visible. Bikers everywhere know how the best defense on the road is to stay visible to everyone, the same principle can be applied to roads. This can be done by using reflective materials on barriers and thermoplastic line marking materials on the road.
A Safer World for Bikers
We hope that you learned about some ways to keep the streets safer for cyclists. It may not be easy but through the collective efforts of many, we can build a network of roads that can turn the Philippines into a walkable city that’s safer for pedestrians, bikers, and motorists.
Investing in high-quality materials to repair roads and mark them is a step in making the roads safer for everyone. If you’re looking to find a trusted supplier for these, you can reach out to us today at Rua Seguridad to learn more about our offerings.
