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Alongside pedestrians, cyclists are particularly vulnerable in urban traffic. In order to increase cycling safety, a well-developed cycling infrastructure is needed first and foremost.
Nevertheless, cyclists can contribute to increasing their own road safety: For example, wearing light-colored clothing in the dark can improve your own visibility in traffic. A helmet or bicycle airbag can protect against dangerous head injuries and mitigate the consequences of a traffic accident. Keeping a safe distance from parked cars also helps to prevent serious accidents.
Together with cooperation partners, the city of Bonn offers a mobile cycling course for schools in Bonn.
We give you tips on what you can do yourself to prevent accidents and protect yourself.
Keep your distance from parked cars
In addition to accidents when turning, so-called "Dooring accidents" are among the most frequent and most serious accidents for cyclists: Dooring accidents are caused by drivers who open their car door without having looked behind. They can have fatal consequences, as cyclists can suddenly hit the car door at full speed, be torn off their bike and often even be thrown into traffic.
Drivers can prevent these accidents by using the so-called Dutch grip when opening the door: This involves opening the driver's door with the right hand rather than the left. Passengers, on the other hand, open their door with their left hand instead of their right. This causes their body and gaze to automatically turn towards traffic approaching from behind.
Cyclists can protect themselves from these accidents by keeping a safe distance of at least one meter from parked cars. Unfortunately, older cycle paths often run close to the door zones of parked cars. Although cyclists are supposed to keep to the right, the rule here is: Confidently keep a safe distance of one meter from parked cars and, if in doubt, move over to the roadway.
Safe on the road in traffic circles
A particularly high number of accidents involving cyclists occur at traffic circles. If there is no separate cycle lane outside the traffic circle, cyclists can increase their safety by observing the following:
It is important to wait for a large enough gap in traffic before entering the traffic circle.
Cyclists who enter the traffic circle next to other vehicles or cycle next to vehicles are putting themselves in danger.
Cyclists should use the center of the traffic circle to prevent cars from driving next to them and cutting them off at the next exit.
In single-lane traffic circles, there is no space for motorists to overtake cyclists in accordance with the rules.
Is your bike roadworthy?
What equipment must a bicycle have to comply with legal regulations and be roadworthy? Anyone riding on the road is only allowed to do so on a roadworthy bicycle. The brakes and lights in particular must be checked regularly. If they are not working, it is dangerous.
This is what a roadworthy bike should have:
Two independent brakes (for children preferably hand and coaster brakes),
a bell,
a light (front),
a white reflector (front),
a red rear light,
a red reflector (rear).
The rear light and reflector can be integrated. A second reflector is advisable but not mandatory.
Four yellow spoke reflectors (cat's eyes) or reflective white stripes on the tires or in the spokes,
non-slip and firmly screwed pedals, each equipped with two pedal reflectors ,
a dynamo or lights with rechargeable or battery operation
Without this equipment, a bicycle may not be ridden in traffic. You can find more information here:
Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet and does it fit properly?
Almost every cyclist is familiar with the topic of "crash landings". Whether beginner or professional, small or large - even a pothole or a streetcar track can lead to a fall. But bicycles have neither airbags nor crumple zones, so the risk of injury to cyclists is high.
If the brain is damaged, the consequences are particularly serious. That's why cyclists should always wear a helmet to protect their head!
Helmets are not generally compulsory in Germany, neither in general nor for certain age groups, in certain regions or for group rides. Nevertheless, anyone cycling in urban traffic is well advised to protect themselves as much as possible. Children in particular should always wear a bicycle helmet.
How to fit a bicycle helmet correctly:
The bicycle helmet must sit horizontally on the head - it must not be pulled deep into the neck or forehead. Once in the correct position, tighten the head ring until the helmet is secure. The chin strap is then closed.
There should be about 1.5 cm of space between the strap and the chin. The buckle should not sit directly under the chin, but slightly to the side. If the ends of the strap are too long, they can be cut off.
Finally, adjust the strap triangle around the ear: The straps should sit tightly without touching the ear.
Having your bike coded puts potential thieves on the run, as the code immediately shows who the bike really belongs to. Coded bikes are more difficult to sell as stolen property and the police can use the codes to assign bikes found to their owners.
