Responsible Tourism [#08] - Campaign for Safe Cycling

Campaign "Time for a Safe Bike": Cycling to Work and School

The end of the holidays doesn't have to mean the end of the enjoyment that comes with cycling. Let's not put our bikes away in the cellar until next summer. Until now, cycling has been a recreational activity, but the bike can still serve us daily. We simply need to change our transport habits and start using the bike more often as a means of transport to work or school. “Let’s try to get used to traffic, learn the rules, and discover that cycling is safe. It really is time to trust two-wheelers” – recalls the #TimeForASafeBike campaign.

The image of Polish cities as congested and unfriendly places for cyclists lingers in the minds of many, despite numerous efforts to promote sustainable transport. Working individuals or students today face the choice of how to navigate the city to reach their destination efficiently during peak hours. Unfortunately, public transport does not offer door-to-door service, and individual transport by car wins out, especially when considering parking issues in many cities. In the meantime, cars are great for longer journeys in sparsely populated and developed areas, but unfortunately, they are increasingly unsuitable for moving through densely constructed urban areas. An individual car trip no longer guarantees quick and convenient transport. The myth of comfortable city driving has crumbled. This is where cycling comes to the rescue. For short city distances (up to 5 km, and even further as traffic difficulties increase), bicycles are faster than cars. Cyclists can bypass traffic jams by using paths and shortcuts unavailable to vehicles. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO Regional Office for Europe), 30% of car trips in Europe are shorter than 3 km. Such a distance can be covered in 15-20 minutes at a leisurely pace. Thus, in most cases, a bike can replace a car. When the commute is longer, or if someone lives outside the metropolitan area, combining modes of transport can be a good solution. One can reach the outskirts of the city by car, bus, or train, and cover the rest of the distance by their own or a public bike.

Everyday Cycling

The heavy street traffic raises concerns about whether cycling through the city will be safe, but on the other hand, once someone tries cycling to work, there’s a good chance they’ll get hooked and stick with it. Anyone can ride a bike; there's no need to be exceptionally athletic. Regular cycling will actually improve our fitness significantly, and riding a few kilometres daily won't be exhausting. Fears of arriving sweaty at work are exaggerated. A relaxed ride doesn't even require special clothing. Many people commute in the same outfit they wear to the office. Only cycling at a faster pace means one may need to change from cyclist to office worker by changing clothes. However, more and more office parks are recognizing the needs of cyclists and offer employees changing rooms, showers, and lockers, so if conditions allow, it's worth investing in special cycling attire to mitigate the negative effects of fast riding. All necessary items, including a lunch box or work equipment like a laptop, can be easily transported by bike. There are functional racks, spacious panniers, or bike bags to choose from. Therefore, commuting by bike to work isn't as complicated and troublesome as it might seem, and cycling can easily become a part of our daily routine. Good planning and arriving at work a few minutes early will also be beneficial. Many employers promote and support healthy lifestyles for their employees, so let's not be too quick to put our bikes away, as these commutes can be rewarding. And with an uninterrupted network of cycling paths available, there should be no excuses.

You Learn What You Are Taught

Parents often drive their children to school. If the distance from home is long, this is justified, but too often it involves a trip to the local school. As a result, children develop bad habits, and when they become adults, it will be hard for them to change them. This can later affect their health and lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to teach activity from a young age and show how to bike to school. The earlier a child starts riding a bike, the faster they will gain confidence, navigate bike paths more efficiently, and have a sense of direction. Ultimately, they will feel a strong sense of security, and we as parents will be able to let our children ride to school without fear.

The regulations state that children over the age of 10 can ride a bike independently on the roads, provided they have a cycling license. This is intended for individuals aged 10-18 and can usually be obtained for free at school by passing an exam. A cyclist under 10 years of age is classified as a pedestrian according to the law, meaning they can and should ride on the sidewalk. An adult cyclist accompanying a child under 10 also has the right to ride on the sidewalk.

At the beginning of their cycling journey, a child may not have experience navigating routes, so it's worth planning ahead, checking alternative paths, and choosing the safest and most convenient one. The route doesn't always have to be the shortest. Above all, it should be safe, meaning low traffic, and preferably paved with bike lanes. Before a child rides to school alone, it's essential to cover the route together several times.

Preparing for Autumn Riding

Before the autumn season and the school year, the bike also needs to be prepared properly. After summer use, it's advisable to take the bike for servicing. The condition of the lighting system should be checked as a priority. As days become shorter after the summer, bike lighting will be of greater importance. We remind you that according to the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure, mandatory equipment includes: a permanently mounted red rear reflector, and if riding is done after dark – a white front light and a red rear light, as well as brakes and a horn. When it comes to children, they should not only be familiar with school bells but also with bike bells. A helmet is a recommended but not mandatory piece of equipment. The head requires special protection, and it’s hard to imagine a child riding to school without one; it must be comfortable, properly sized, and correctly worn. Another important aspect of road safety is ensuring the cyclist is visible on the road. A jacket with reflective elements or a reflective vest significantly enhances the safety of cyclists.

Once we take care of these basic elements, we can be confident that both we and our children will embark on our journeys to work or school on reliable gear and in proper attire.

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#TimeForASafeBike

A social campaign with an educational character aimed primarily at cyclists but also at other road users. The goal of the campaign is to promote conscious and safe behaviours on the road. Referring to the main cause of accidents involving cyclists – ignorance of the rules – we remind everyone of the key points of the cycling code. The campaign is supported by the ANDER and FRANCOR Foundations. The partner of the campaign is BikeExpo National Bike Test.