To mitigate the risk of an accident, Ryde advises the following:
1. Safety first, not speed. A successful journey is a safe one.
2. Monitor your energy levels. Avoid driving when you are feeling tired or low energy. Take regular breaks and remember to stay nourished & hydrated (i.e. water & snacks!)
3. Weatherproof clothing at all times. Make sure you are visible & comfortable on all journeys with Ryde.
4. In case of small emergencies, keep a first aid kit with your kit. Ryde also recommends carrying a torch and any emergency repair tools.
5. If you find yourself in an accident or should your mode of transport break down, cautiously evaluate any risks to undertake the safest course of action.
6. Carry warning triangles where required.
7. Only park in designated parking spots. Pay special attention to prevent causing an obstruction to other riders or drivers.
8. When possible, avoid unnecessary stepping onto highways and motorways; any road with high-speed traffic.
9. Always be aware of any potential hazards when driving. Prioritise your safety and the safety of others.
10. During the winter months, remember to take extreme caution when operating in remote or high altitude areas.
11. All cyclists and motorcyclists must wear relevant safety gear: helmets, padded clothing (incl. trousers) & high visibility tops or reflective bands on clothing on the mode of transport. Please use front and backlights for visibility.
Personal safety
Ryde commits to doing all we can to keep you happy & safe. Some things you can do to help with your own personal safety are:
A well-maintained and regularly-serviced vehicle is less likely to break down and leave you stranded.
Join a reliable breakdown organisation.
Take a mobile phone with you for emergencies.
Make sure the phone is fully charged before your journey.
In general, do not pick up hitchhikers or offer lifts to people you do not know.
Keep valuables and bags out of sight and out of reach.
Keep the car doors locked while driving in slow-moving or stationary traffic if you feel vulnerable.
Always lock the door when you are away from the vehicle – even when paying for fuel.
Securing Loads
It is illegal and dangerous to drive a vehicle that is overloaded or has a load that is not secured. As the rider/driver, you are responsible for ensuring that any load you carry is legal and safe, even if it was loaded by another person.
General considerations:
Do not exceed your vehicle’s Maximum authorised mass (M.A.M). This is the maximum permissible weight the vehicle is permitted to carry based on the capability of tyres, suspension, etc. It includes everything in (including its passengers), and on, your vehicle.
Drive more cautiously as handling and performance will be affected by the load and stopping distances will be increased.
Make sure all items are secure. Items sliding around or tipping over whenever you brake/turn will be both irritating and very distracting
Keep larger or heavier items low down in the vehicle
Put the bigger items in first and then pack the smaller items around the larger items as this will help keep your centre of gravity lower to minimise the effect on handling.
Heavy items should be packed tightly and properly secured to the vehicle body to reduce the risk of them bursting through in a crash. This makes for better weight distribution and vehicle handling.