Cyclists

Sadly, in 2013 we witnessed accidents involving high profile Kenya based sports men riding their bicycles within counties. This draws a lot of attention to a topic which concerns many residents: the sports and recreational riders on the one hand, but also a big group of the working class, mainly gardeners and delivery/collection men on the other hand.

How to manage it right (cyclist):

• Always wear your helmet
• Be in control of your ride and your bike – drive defensively!
• Make sure your bicycle is in good conditions, especially the breaks; tires and lights … have a bell, too.
• See & be seen: wear bright colors (ideally reflecting vest), stay aware of the traffic around you, make eye-contact with motorists and pedestrians
• If you have to ride on a street, keep to the right hand side


• Use hand signals when you have to turn • Obey traffic laws (signs, lights and road markings, etc.)
• Use your lights (head light and back light) in bad light conditions – ideally also during the day, and have reflectors on your bike. Generally, it’s a good advice not to ride at night, unless you absolutely have to!
• Give right of way to pedestrians
• Watch out for obstacles (opening car doors, objects on the road, pot holes)
• When cycling on roads, ideally, organize a support car which can protect riders from behind
• Kids cycling: make sure your kids follow the rules and they are safe!
• If you are transporting your kids on your bike, use proper equipment

Watch out for:

• If you have to drive on the street, don’t drive on the wrong side
• Avoid biking by night and in bad light conditions
• Don’t bike on unsafe roads
• Don’t bike in areas where biking is prohibited
• Don’t use your mobile phone while riding
• Don’t bike under the influence of banned substances

How to do it right (as a motorist):

• Bicycle riders are weaker than vehicles, hence be respectful and polite to them
• Bicycle riders are equal traffic participants – obey their rights!
• nticipate moves of bicycle riders and don’t cut them off
• Keep a safe distance (from the side and from behind!)
• Be mindful that you can irritate riders with speeding, noise/honking or your head lights
• Around riders, use your indicators and make them know your planned moves


• Keep eye contact to riders
• Be extra careful when you see kids on bikes
• Carefully open the door of your car and watch out for bikers