20/08/2016
Friends, it saddens us to know you that one cyclist named Ajay Gupta from a popular Delhi cyclist group recently died in a terrible car accident (http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chandigarh-car-kills-one-doctor-held-2973960/). May his soul rest in peace.
While this one incident should not stop us from cycling, it should definitely make us aware of the dangers that come with riding. Below are some of the points that we feel are important to consider while cycling:
1) Always wear a helmet while riding. A decent helmet costs around 1000 rupees but the safety that comes with it is invaluable.
2) Always slow down your cycle while approaching a cross road or a traffic signal. Look both ways and only then approach the circle. Additionally, look out for fast approaching vehicles at such points. If you notice that a friend of yours is being negligent about this, then do not hesitate to alert him/her. A similar alert was helpful in averting a possible accident in the last week.
3) Be very decisive while changing lanes or while approaching a traffic signal/circle. Indicate your direction clearly using a hand. A common situation while cycling is that you think you want to take a right; so you start moving in that direction, and for some reason, you then realize that you took the wrong direction. In such a situation, you should ALWAYS stick to your original decision. Do not change your direction midway during a maneuver. A fast approaching vehicle from behind can hit you in such a case.
4) If you are feeling dizzy, just slow down your cycle, and wait on the roadside for five-ten minutes. If that does not help then wait for another ten minutes. And if that too does not help then simply lock the cycle at a safe spot nearby and come back to your place in a rickshaw/bus. Your cycle is precious but not more than your life. Fainting/cramping in the middle of the road should be avoided at any cost.
5) If you are become temporarily blinded by sand/insect going into your eyes, then DO NOT panic. Keep one eye open, slow down your cycle and go to the roadside. If it is a windy day, then it is recommended to wear a cycling goggles or spectacles while on the cycle.
6) Lastly, DO NOT use mobile phones while riding a bicycle. A common situation while cycling is waiting to look for further directions. In such cases, you should stop and check your mobile. If that is not convenient then just ask a fellow rickshaw wallah. He will probably give you better directions than Google maps :)
In case you have any suggestions/comments, do not hesitate to mention them in the comments section below.
Once again, let us pray that the soul of Ajay Gupta, the cyclist rests in peace.
The victim, Ajay Gupta, a businessman and resident of Delhi, was knocked down while riding his cycle; he was on a visit to his parents in Chandigarh.