1. Improper use of brakes
When braking, always apply the rear brake first to avoid flipping over due to excessive braking force. You may adjust the position of the rear brake lever based on personal preference. Before setting off, have a professional technician adjust the brake cable tension and check the clearance and wear of the brake pads.
When turning, your body and bike will lean. Keep the inner pedal level or raised to prevent it from touching the ground. Slow down before entering a turn—braking while turning is dangerous.
3. Wrong uphill and downhill techniques
Some cyclists stand up to pedal on uphill sections. Unless facing an especially steep slope or sprinting, this posture should be avoided. It not only wastes energy but also raises your center of gravity, reducing control and increasing the risk of the rear wheel slipping. The correct method is: when going uphill, shift your body forward, lower your upper body to maintain balance, and pedal in a low gear. When going downhill, shift your weight backward, keep your body low, and press your thighs against the saddle. Control your speed carefully, using gradual braking—never emergency braking.
When cycling in a group, always keep a safe distance between bikes. On long rides, drafting behind the rider in front helps conserve energy. On straight, open roads, it’s easy to lose focus—riders should stay at least one bike length apart for safety.
5. Riding over road hazards
Be aware of road conditions. Look ahead and avoid high speeds. Watch for obstacles or potholes. If you can’t avoid them, pull up on the handlebars and use pedal power to lift the front wheel and clear the hazard, reducing impact.
6. Cycling with headphones on
Wearing headphones makes it hard to hear important external sounds such as car horns or warnings from teammates. Long headphone wires can also cause accidents. If you want to listen to music or broadcasts, use a speaker instead. Wearing headphones while cycling is strictly prohibited.
If you’re feeling physically unwell or mentally fatigued and can’t concentrate, plan an alternative route or postpone your trip to avoid danger.
8. Don’t force a ride with bike malfunctions
If your bike breaks down and you can’t fix it immediately, find another way to continue or call for roadside assistance. Especially if there are issues with brakes or the wheel set (tires), do not continue riding.
If you encounter extreme weather such as typhoons, heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds, change or cancel your plans. If caught in severe weather during a ride, stop and wait for it to pass before continuing. Also avoid cycling at noon (12 PM to 2 PM) or in temperatures exceeding 35°C. Stay hydrated.
Since bicycle lights provide limited illumination and can only serve as an auxiliary measure to alert other road users, it is recommended to plan your trip to start early, take longer breaks around noon, and reach your daily destination before sunset. In particular, group rides should avoid night cycling to prevent accidents caused by poor visibility or unfamiliarity with the road.