Riding Safely On The Road

My friend and I were on our way home from UP Oval one weekend morning when we decided not to take the Katipunan flyover and take Aurora Blvd. instead, to reach Pasig. We needed to make a U-turn at a very busy Aurora Blvd. and Katipunan intersection which proved very, very hazardous.

My friend crossed Aurora Blvd. and was waiting for me at the other side when accident struck. While slowly swerving to the left to make a quick U-turn, a passenger jeepney cut me to the left. I tried avoiding him by swerving back to the right only to find out that another jeepney was close. My right handlebar hit the jeepney to my right, and I bounced back to my left thereby hitting the other jeepney. My handlebar got caught at the rear of the left jeepney and I came sliding down the road, making a couple of tumblings then Superman’d along Aurora Blvd., face down. A third jeepney almost ran over me, stopping only when my calves were already under its engine. Close call.

Riding on Philippine roads is probably one of the most dangerous cycling adventures in the world. No matter how careful you are, the risk of getting into a painful situation always lurks with manholes, road craters, debris, parked vehicles, electric posts, unloading public vehicles, etc. littering the small road space in front of you. I have ridden the roads of Metro Manila in the morning, noontime and evenings and the only thing constant in those times of the day is this: DANGER. Let me share with you how I have survived the Metro Manila jungle so far:

1. Keep your eyes on the road

I cannot emphasize this so much, but, when you’re on the road, don’t let your eyes wander. Focus on what’s ahead. Philippine roads aren’t the smoothest. In fact, our engineers have mastered copying the surface of the moon to a “T”. Ask any cyclist, who have crashed already, about the reason why he crashed, and chances are he will say he didn’t notice this or that in front of him. Bird-watch while dismounted guys.

2. Asphalts are slippery when wet

Until now, the condition I fear most is wet aphalt roads on a descent. Too many things can happen as you are riding on glass-like surface. Pressing the brakes only will stop your wheels from spinning, it won’t stop sliding down.

Even on flats, the presence of water poses a peloton of risks: open manholes not visible on flood waters; splashes of water from vehicles beside you, hitting your eyes and temporarily blinding you; nails and other sharp objects ready to puncture your tyres; all of these will contribute to a nasty and humiliating crash if rode on.

What I do when roads are wet on descents is brake early on. I don’t wait until I reach a speed which is unmanageable for me. If the rain is hard, its better to just dismount and wait til it subsides. Its always better to be on the safe side in these occasions. On flats, walk your bike. Don’t try to be macho and ride the flood or strong rains, its stupidity at its finest.

3. Stay on the rightmost part of the road

Some cyclists will tell you not to stay on the rightmost part of the road and mark your territory. Do this and get the ire of motorists who will try to sideswipe you or at least threaten you by cutting you off the road. They go faster than you do and you are just a roadblock to them.

Stay on the rightmost if you can. Always remember that the slower vehicles, by courtesy, stay on the rightmost part of the road and give way to faster vehicles on the left. You are not exempted from this.

4. Uncleat seconds before you fully stop

Always the cause of the majority of road crashes, uncleating from the pedals on a full stop. Presence of mind is key. Disengage from the cleats seconds before you fully stop. If you will hold on to a vehicle beside you, make sure you let go a few seconds after it starts moving and you can balance on the bike already.

5. Watch out for uneven roads

Have you noticed how uneven roads are when its newly repaired?

I had the unfortunate experience of riding on these uneven roads. Result: I saw my bike below me as I was in the air for a split second and needed weeks of therapy after.

Uneven roads cannot just be ridden straight, you should bunnyhop to be able to go over it especially with a roadbike.

6. Ride like you’re driving your car

Respect the traffic signs. Lance Armstrong once was bumped by a car when he was trying to beat red lights. He succeeded in beating a few, but ran out of luck nevertheless, resulting to stitches on his head and legs.

7. Wear blinkers at night

Riding at night would probably be the most dangerous as you are not as visible to motorists as during daytime.

Wear blinkers, at least be seen a bit more.

8. Be a defensive cyclist

…and always look over your shoulder. Check out what the vehicle behind you is doing. Some student drivers panic at the sight of a bicycle in front of them. Some drunk drivers might treat you as a target. Stay away from these guys. Stop or dismount if needed.

9. Don’t outran a vehicle

…because you are not as strong as their engines.

Some drivers hate it when a cyclist tries to be a smart-ass and pedal faster than their vehicles. They will try not to let you overtake, instead, they will try to squeeze off the road.

10. Always be in full battle gear

Helmet, shoes, socks, gloves, shades, shoes. Wear these for protection and never leave home without it. Bring your healthcard and ID as well, these may come in handy.

Lastly, always start your ride with a prayer. It works.