The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Making cycling safer

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Sunday, Sep 14, 2008
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Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Making cycling safer

Staff Reporter

Photo: Vipin Chandran

CAREFUL ON THOSE: Boys trying out cycles. —

KOCHI: Cycling through congested city roads might be out of the question for children. But with newer and sleek models of cycles coming out, including those with gear systems aimed at ensuring lesser effort for the rider, and cycles to suit all age groups, the call to cycle around is irresistible for children and teenagers.

Nowadays, all of a sudden, groups of children emerge in their flashy cycles from the corner in residential areas, the bells chiming in unison as if to scare away even the menacing tipper lorries. But not all are aware of traffic rules, with many not even aware of the keep-left rule. Even worse, school students often try to dangerously race around in their cycles owing to peer pressure.

Cyclists are often caught in accidents because of their inability to drive in a straight line and due to problems with the brakes. The feet of many cyclists do not simultaneously reach the pedals at the same time. Worse still, heavy loads and other goods protrude out from the side.

Much to the annoyance of other road users, many cyclists often take a sharp turn to the right without bothering about oncoming vehicles or those coming from behind. In places like Kochi, most cyclists (and a good share of other motorists too) do not bother to show the hand signal. Most cycles do not have head and tail lights, while there are many which do not have rear reflectors. Protective head gear for cyclists, that is mandatory in developed countries, is unheard of in this part of the globe.

Alarmed at the accidents involving cyclists, the police have plans to clamp down on careless cyclists in Kochi. Cyclists too must obey traffic rules, said a police official. Apart from this, traffic-safety experts have outlined some precautions that would ensure the safety of cyclists and other road users. Cyclists too must slow down at sharp curves and warn other motorists of their presence using the bell. White or light-coloured clothes are ideal during night, especially for cyclists and pedestrians. Loose-fitting garments and shawls might get entwined in the wheels.

The cycle must have visible-reflectors on the rear, the front and the sides. Black and blue-coloured cycles are least visible at night. The primary rule is to ensure that cyclists and others warn (through electronic or hand signals) of their intention to turn or park or take off from the road.

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