Avoiding an accident is the most important thing in cycling. Period.

One of the things I have come to realize in my brief cycling experience is that when you’re out there on the roads you should keep your eyes peeled for anything and everything. Expecting the unexpected is difficult to do sometimes, but assuming drivers don’t see you and expecting the worst really helps to avoid any possible scary situations that might occur. Coming home safely to your family, friends, and/or pets, are more important than any training session.

Here are a couple scenario examples: If a car is passing me on my left I will always assume they are going to cut me off by making a right-hand turn ahead of me. In another example, If a car is looking to cross the road and I’m going the opposite direction, I’ll expect that they won’t see me so I’ll slow down. In both of these scenarios this allows me the extra time to completely stop, if needed. By expecting the worst I’m putting myself in a better position to avoid an accident entirely. It’s actually quite an easy way of thinking; just pretend everyone is out to get you!

While everyone certainly isn’t out to get you, thinking this way simply helps keep me in the defensive riding mindset. I never assume the right of way when I ride because the bottom line is if I get hit by a car the chances of me being hurt are extremely high, so it doesn’t matter who had the right of way! You still get hurt and the goal here is to avoid getting hit all together. Prevention is what’s going to save your life when you’re out there sharing the roads.

I would also recommend getting a Road ID band for your ankle. A Road ID is a standard neoprene Velcro ankle strap with a tiny metal plate that has your emergency contact information engraved on it. If you are ever in the unfortunate circumstance where someone needs to contact your family or friends, this simple little band will do the job. You just never hope you’ll actually need to use it one day. A Road ID can be ordered through their website at www.roadid.com.

Another extremely important item to have with you during your cycling adventures is a cell phone. Yeah, some cell phones or PDA’s add a little weight to your snazzy outfit, but if you should ever need help, having one in your jersey pocket could help save you or one of your friend’s lives. Who knows, maybe even a stranger’s life. Plus, if you ever get a flat out in the middle of nowhere, a cell phone call to one of your buddies is your ticket home.

Another thing to do on a cell phone is create a new contact and call it, “I.C.E”. This stands for “In Case of Emergency”, and Emergency Response Crews will look for this and know who to call in an injury situation. You can never have too many ways for someone to get in touch with your family or friends.

So, the next time you’re out there throwing down the hammer or bombing that crazy hill on your bike, remember to think defensively and expect that cars are not going to see you. It will help you avoid a possible situation with a moving object that is much heavier and stronger than you are.

Written by Dave Platfoot.