Being safe on a bicycle need not be a complicated affair and often comes back down to the basics. A well maintained and suitable bicycle, proper fitting equipment and a sound knowledge of basic traffic rules and regulations can go a long way in keeping you safe.

Buy a bike at a reputable bike shop where bikes are fitted and serviced. The sales people there are often keen cyclists. They can help you decide what type of bicycle will best meet your needs - for mountain biking, commuting, touring, racing or generally mucking around on - and sort out suitable equipment and an appropriate size for you. They do not think of bikes as toys, but as a serious means of transport and recreation.

When buying a bike for a child, bear in mind that they’ll grow, but don’t go for something they can’t handle safely at the moment.

Bike helmets are compulsory by law in NZ. Don’t buy or use a helmet that hasn’t been approved for cycling - it won’t give you the necessary protection. Helmets, like shoes, need to be the right size and done up securely. If your helmet can slide forward, it’s likely to fly off in a crash - if it can slide back, your forehead will be exposed. Get your helmet fitted and adjusted at a good bike shop and then keep an eye on it so it doesn’t start slopping around. Choose a helmet in a bright colour to help others see you. If your helmet gets whacked in a crash, ditch it.

The key to safe night cycling is to be visible, but even in daylight being bright is right. Lights are required by law after dark - red flashing LED rear lights are now legal and are very effective and one set of batteries lasts a whole winter. Wear light coloured clothing at night - yellow and white stand out well, while dark fabrics disappear. Use reflective bands or belts, or put strips of reflective material on your bike and clothing. Grey reflectors work best at night, but yellow also makes you more visible during the day.

Cycling manuals (e.g. “Richard’s Bicycle Book”) contain good advice on basic techniques of braking, cornering etc. Take the time to practice these on a flat quiet street, or try off-road mountain biking. It’s probably the fastest and safest way to learn such skills. Don’t just rely on instinct - your automatic reactions (e.g. swerving or jamming on the brakes) may not be the best ones.

To gain the respect and co-operation you need from other road users, follow the road rules. If you ride with skill and predictability, motorists are more likely to see you and give you a break when you need it. Unless it compromises your safety to do so, indicate before turning, ride a smooth line (e.g. don’t cut in and out of parked cars) and avoid stopping suddenly.

The best place to ride in traffic is just to the left of cars moving straight through. Curb hugging puts you out of the drivers’ line of vision, gives you no room to manoeuvre, and places you on the part of the road with the most glass, grit, potholes, and gratings. Don’t hesitate to occupy the full lane where traffic speed or the narrowness of the road requires it. Make a habit of riding at least a metre out from parked cars - being ‘doored’ is very unpleasant. Riding on the wrong side of the road or the wrong way up a one way street is asking for trouble - you’re not supposed to be there and motorists won’t be expecting to see you.

A fully alert, assertive frame of mind is essential. Constantly scan the road for people who may not have seen you, whether they’re a pedestrian, a car driver or even another cyclist. Be on the lookout for potholes, catseyes and gratings, and in the wet steer clear of road paint and steel drain covers.

Almost 10% of cycling accidents are caused by mechanical failures. Before hopping on your bike next time, check for loose quick-release levers, bulging tyres and frayed brake cables. Get your bike regularly serviced or do it yourself. If your local community college doesn’t already run a bicycle maintenance class, ask them to start one.