10 tips how to make your outdoor cycling safe

Weather is getting better and more and more athletes will go back to the road again to train outdoors and cycle.

Judit SpieglCoach

Ride on the side of the road, but never ride on the edge. Always keep a gap for yourself to be able to escape in case of a danger. It also helps you to care about your tyres, as the side of the roads can be dusty and stony.
Wear your helmet. No question about it!
Always inform somebody when you are going to ride. Never do a lonely ride without noticing any of your family members or friends.
Take mobile phone, Emirates ID, insurance card, cash (200.- AED min.), name of the person who has to be informed in case of emergency –mentioning his/her availabilities- with you. (Debit card is also recommended.) Spare tyre, basic tools are also necessary to be self sufficient.
Be prepared with enough water for at least 2 hours, and take some food with you too, even for an an easy ride as anything can happen anytime i.e. puncture or technical problem which requires longer stay.
Do not be afraid of the vehicles. People are driving them not robots, but try to watch the driver’s reaction and not the vehicle itself.
Try to avoid sudden movement, especially when you are riding in a group, or if you are sliding on the road or fall down. Try to keep calm, as self confidence is one of the major point on a road, as CYCLING IS A DANGEROUS SPORT. But if you accept and understand it, you can be aware of accidents.
Indicate road problems, humps if you are a member of a group ride.
If you drop something i.e. your bottle or mobile phone, please do not panic, try to slow down and grap it after making sure no any vehicle is around you. Your life is more important than these belongings.
PLEASE ALWAYS BARE IN MIND: SAFETY FIRST, when a track is not closed especially on a race, please be aware of other vehicle and of your safety and NOT of your time.