Heading on a cycle ride? Not without safety gear!

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently revealed details of a harrowing bicycle accident he met with whole on a routine ride in Connecticut. Ramsay visibly took to his Instagram handle with a shaky hand and assured his fans he was okay but only with heavy bruisings. However, he repeatedly focused on wearing biking gear, especially helmets with a picture of his damaged helmet.
Heading on a cycle ride? Not without safety gear!
Gordon Ramsay shared a before and after pic of his accident (Image: @gordongram)
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently posted on Instagram about a harrowing bicycle accident he met with on a routine ride. Ramsay said he had suffered bruises but assured fans that he was fine. That said, he repeatedly focused on the importance of safety gear while cycling, especially helmets. For the sizeable community of cyclists in India, safety is paramount.
We speak to a few to understand their experiences on the road.
“I don’t care how short the journey is. I don’t care, these helmets cost money, but they’re crucial, even with a kid’s short journey, they’ve got to wear a helmet. -Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay's cycle accident sheds light on safety
A person riding bicycle with safety gears on (Image: iStock)

The boom in the bicycle market post-COVID gradually also led to people investing in safety gear. Regular cyclists are aware of safety concerns and tend to buy relevant gear to ensure safe rides

Sandip Bangar, store manager at a cycle store in Pune

STATS:
-Only 25% of countries have laws in place to support public transportation, cycling, and walking
-Bicyclist deaths increased by over 20 per cent to 71,000, constituting almost 6% of all road accident deaths worldwide
-Just 0.2% of global roadways have cycle lanes
(Source: WHO's Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023)

I never start a ride without my helmet, lights, my reflective vest or t-shirt and a good pair of padded shorts. Besides being cautious while riding, safety gear gives me peace of mind, especially when I'm riding on roads amid traffic

Arun Sharma, a fitness & cycling enthusiast from Delhi

I see many wrist fractures from cycling accidents, especially when riders fall and try to catch themselves. Wearing padded cycling gloves can significantly absorb impact and reduce the risk of these injuries. They also improve grip on the handlebars, which can help you maintain control in unexpected situations

Dr Aditya Mongia, Dehradun-based orthopaedic surgeon

Safety gear you should invest in
  • Helmet
  • Reflective clothing
  • Gloves
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Padded shorts
  • Cycling shoes
  • Cycling glasses
  • Horn
Price: Rs 300-5000 approx

Once while riding my cycle, a person opened their car door right in front of me. Thankfully, I had good brakes and managed to swerve. But post that, I always use bright lights and a reflective vest, even during the day

Pratik Jain, a business owner from Mumbai

Precautions to take while cycling
  • Ensure the brakes are working, tyres are inflated, and chains are lubricated
  • Follow traffic rules and signals, and always ride in the direction of traffic
  • Be cautious at intersections and watch out for turning vehicles
  • Stay alert and avoid distractions such as headphones or mobile devices
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