New to biking? Here are 10 things to remember before hitting the road

Many Filipinos have turned to biking as an alternative mode of transportation under the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s cheap, it’s healthy, it can be less stressful than waiting for a ride on public transportation, and best of all, social distancing is assured.

But before you hit the road, here are a few safety tips shared by journalist and bicycle enthusiast Ivan Mayrina on GMA’s morning show “Unang Hirit”:

1. Wear a helmet. Obviously, head injuries can be avoided if you wear the proper gear.

2 . Protect your eyes. Protective eyewear like sunglasses can keep foreign objects from entering your eyes. “Iniiwasan natin na mapuwing tayo. Baka mawala ang ating vision sa kalsada, so kailangan tayong may protection sa mata,” Mayrina says.

3. Be visible. It’s advisable for cyclists to wear bright-colored or reflective shirts, especially at night. A bike light will also make it easier for other motorists to spot the cycler.

4. Always assume you’re invisible. “Huwag i-assume na nakita ka ng sasakyan ng truck, ng kapwa mong siklista, o ng isang nakamotor,” Mayrina says.

5. Always be on the safe side. “Stay on your lane. Huwag magka-counterflow. Huwag bastang singit nang singit. Laging isipin ang ating kaligtasan kahit sa anumang sitwasyon ‘yan.”

6. Check your bike. Make sure everything works okay before you even take your bike out, from the air in the wheels to the brakes and the chain.

7. Proper maintenance. Aside from cleaning it, bike care also includes proper lubrication and tightening the bolts.

8. Have a tool kit with you. Travel light but be ever-ready by bringing all your bike-specific tools in one kit.

9. Bring water. “Kung kayo po ay baguhan, dahan-dahan lang at unti-unti niyong tantiyahin ang inyong katawan kung kaya pa ba o kailangan bang magpahinga. Basta huwag kalimutan magdala ng tubig at, s’yempre alagaan ang ating sarili habang nagbibisikleta,” Mayrina said.

10. Wear a mask. According to Mayrina, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is asking cyclists to wear face masks to protect themselves from COVID-19.