Riding safely on a bike or scooter in the city

As a courier you spend hours a day in traffic. A few habits will significantly cut your risk and help you ride faster and more smoothly.

Be seen

Most city accidents happen because a driver doesn't notice you. Use front and rear lights even during the day, reflective elements and bright clothing. In poor visibility (rain, dusk) multiply your visibility — more lights rather than fewer.

Anticipate, don't react

• Expect a parked car to pull out or open its door.
• At junctions, make eye contact with the driver before you go.
• Keep your distance from parked cars (the door zone).
• Don't overtake turning vehicles on the inside in a line of traffic.

Junctions and turns

Most collisions happen at junctions. Slow down, signal your direction clearly by hand and don't assume that having right of way means you will be let through. Better to wait a second than take a risk.

Gear that protects

A helmet is the basics — even a short fall at low speed can hurt. Good brakes, working lights and properly inflated tyres are not details: they shorten braking distance and reduce the risk of skidding. Spend a minute checking your bike or scooter before every shift.

Phone only when stopped

Handle navigation and orders when you are stationary, not while riding. A phone holder with voice navigation lets you keep your hands on the handlebars and your eyes on the road.