Cycling road safety: not just for the pros

As Tour Down Under, the biggest bike race in the Southern hemisphere, transforms Adelaide's streets into a cycling mecca, it's not just the professionals hitting the road. It seems to be the time of year when everyone becomes a pro cyclist. Whether you're inspired by the tour or just enjoying our city's bike trails, let's talk about staying safe on two wheels.

The Tour Down Under effect

Every January, Adelaide sees a surge in cycling enthusiasm. While we love seeing more people embracing bike life, it's important to know how to handle common cycling emergencies - whether you're a weekend warrior or daily commuter.

The RAA reports that serious cyclist crashes have increased by almost a third in the last five years. With more bikes on the road at this time of the year, it’s important to be aware and know how to respond in an emergency.

Common cycling injuries and first aid response

Road rash and abrasions

The most common cycling injury is skin abrasions, commonly known as "road rash."

First aid management for an abrasion:

• Wash with warm water and soap using a gauze

• Put a bandaid or bandage on depending on the severity of the abrasion

Sprains and Strains

First aid management for a sprain or strain:

Remember RICER:

• Rest the casualty and the injured area

• Ice to injury for 20 minutes (do not apply ice directly to the skin)

• Compression bandage applied to firmly to extend well beyond the injury

• Elevate the injury

• Refer to a medical professional

Head Injuries

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, head injuries account for 20% of hospitalised cycling injuries. Always:

First aid management for head injuries:

• If there has been a loss of consciousness or altered consciousness at any time, call 000

• Follow DRSABCD

• Protect the casualty’s neck whilst maintaining a clear airway

• Identify and control any significant bleeding with direct pressure if possible

• If unresponsive and not breathing, commence CPR

Tips for sharing the road safely this TDU

The RAA suggests the following tips to keep us all road safe:

For Cyclists:

• Use reflectors so you can be seen from a distance

• Follow the road rules: keep to the left and do not ride more than two abreast. Use bike lanes or shared paths where available

For Drivers:

• Allow a gap of at least 1m, or 1.5m where the speed limit is greater than 60km/h when passing cyclists

• If you need to cross double white lines to pass a cyclist, you can. But make sure the path is clear of oncoming traffic

• When getting out of car that’s parallel, always check your side mirrors for passing cyclists

First Aid Kit for Cyclists

If you’re heading out on the roads for a bike ride you may want to keep these essentials in your kit, just in case:

• Adhesive dressings

• Compression bandage

• Clean water for wound irrigation

• Basic wound dressings

Tour Down Under safe

While we're celebrating world-class cycling during Tour Down Under, let's all do our part to make Adelaide's roads safer for everyone. Whether you're on two wheels or four, we share the same roads and the same responsibility for safety.

Want to be even more prepared on the roads?

We think everyone should know first aid and what to do in an emergency. If you do too, book a first aid course with us. Because knowing what to do in those first crucial moments can make all the difference.

Check our more tips to stay safe on the roads.

Resources
First Aid for Management of Bleeding
Head Injury

The information provided in this blog offers general insights only. It is important to note that this content is not intended to serve as medical advice and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 000 immediately.