Being safe on a bike is not as simple as putting on a helmet. Apart from knowing and obeying the road rules, vulnerable on-road cyclists need to ride defensively at all times. Being legally in the right is of little consolation if you are involved in a serious crash with a motor vehicle. Here are some tips to improve your safety when riding with or near traffic.

Be seen:
Wear light coloured clothes at all times. Better still are garments that have reflective panels. Bike shops sell lightweight refection vests that can be easily slipped over your ordinary clothing.

Fit front and rear lights when riding at night. It is recommended that you fit two separate lights at the front. One light can be used to illuminate the ground ahead and the other aimed at the eye level of car drivers to maximise your chances of being seen. At night, attaching reflective tape or stickers to clothing, helmet, backpacks and cargo will increase your visibility even more.

A good tip is to watch your shadow when being approached from behind by a car. If your shadow does not start to move to the left as the car approaches, quickly move your bike to the left.

Be predictable:
Use hand signals when necessary. A left or right arm extended out indicates that you are turning (and slowing). Drivers are more likely to slow and wait for you to make your manoeuvre.

Get into the habit of making gradual changes in lane position (e.g. to avoid debris or grates) as this gives drivers plenty of time to see you. Avoid sudden moves that put you closer to where traffic passes you. Drivers won't have to time to give you more space and you won't appreciate them being so close.

Cyclists riding along the road at dawn or dusk also need to consider the difficulty that a sun sitting low in the sky can cause for motorists.  When pedalling directly into a rising or setting sun, riders need to be aware that they are almost invisible to a driver approaching from behind and should therefore avoid riding in that direction for a few minutes until the sun has moved position.

Allow some space when passing parked cars. A door suddenly opening can be a hazard, so stay at least one metre away.

Choose a good route:
Avoid roads that are home to many vehicles travelling at high speed. The biggest mistake a person can make when they start riding is to take exactly the same routes as they do when driving.  Try to choose bicycle      friendly routes, such as Perth Bicycle Network routes, shared paths and quiet streets. These are all shown on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure's bike maps.

If the road you are on has a sealed shoulder in good repair then use it.

Be prepared:
Use your eyes and ears. On a bike, your ability to see and hear what is going on around you is far greater than in a car.  Glance to the side as you approach side streets and driveways.  Listen for vehicles approaching.

Look for signs that a driver hasn't seen you e.g. they haven't slowed down or you can see that they haven't looked in your direction. Show particular caution when nearing a motorist who is intending to turn left across your path.

Have you hands on your brakes, ready to apply.

Freewheel, rather than pedal, and be ready to shift your weight backwards if you need to brake. This will help you stop quickly and you won't go over your handlebars.