Cycling Taboos: How Many Have You Breached?

In the world of cycling, some taboos, once broken, can have unbearable consequences. Here are ten of the most frequently overlooked yet most dangerous taboos for cyclists. See which ones you've narrowly escaped.

Taboo One: Helmets are just for show

This is the starting point of all mistakes. That helmet that you find stuffy and ruins your hairstyle is, in the instant of an accident, your only buffer between you and death. Data shows that wearing a helmet correctly can reduce the risk of serious head injury by at least 60%.

Any chance of getting away with a "short distance" or "slow speed" is gambling with your life.

Taboo Two: Competing with motor vehicles for lane space

The confrontation between flesh and blood and steel vehicles is doomed to failure. Running red lights, riding against traffic, and occupying motor vehicle lanes are not buying time, but shrinking your own space to survive.

Taboo Three: Riding at night without warning

Wearing all black and blending into the night is like being "invisible." By the time drivers behind you see you, it's often too late to brake.

Front and rear lights and reflectors are your survival signals lit up in the darkness.

Taboo Four: Headphones Blocking Escape Routes

Immersed in the world of music, you shut down your most crucial sense of danger: hearing. The approaching engine noise in the wind, the warning horns of vehicles behind—all are mercilessly swallowed by the music.

Taboo Five: Hands Off the Handles, Showing Off and Losing Control

A brief moment of "freedom" and showing off comes at the cost of balance and emergency reaction ability. A sudden bump or obstacle can cause you to lose control completely.

Taboo Six: Overloading with Passengers or Goods

Bicycles have limited load-bearing capacity. Overloading greatly affects the vehicle's handling and braking performance; an emergency maneuver could lead to a complete rollover.

Taboo Seven: Ignoring Intersections and Recklessly Charging

Every intersection is a potential point of conflict. Slowing down and observing are not only rules but also essential lessons for navigating dangerous areas.

Taboo Eight: Riding a Vehicle with Defects

Brake failure, severely worn tires, loose chains… these seemingly minor issues are magnified instantly at high speeds, leading to catastrophic consequences.

A simple pre-trip check is the most basic responsibility you can take for yourself.

Taboo Nine: Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol – Double the Danger

Alcohol also impairs a rider's judgment, balance, and reaction time. Riding while intoxicated is just as dangerous as driving under the influence, placing yourself in unpredictable danger.

Taboo Ten: Forcing Your Way Through Extreme Weather

Heavy rain, heavy snow, dense fog, and strong winds severely impair your control, visibility, and chances of being seen by other road users. Respect nature; sometimes stopping is for a better start.

Cycling is a poem of wind and freedom, but safety is the paper and ink on which it is written. Every disregard for taboos is mortgaging your future journey.

Check your gear, examine your habits. A true cycling master does not conquer the most treacherous mountain roads, but one who returns home safely every time.