National triathlete Luke Chua shares useful tips with our readers on how to stay safe on the roads as we gear up to this year's OCBC Cycle
With Singapore's biggest mass participation cycling event happening next week, we ask national triathlete and SEA Games medalist Luke Chua to share some tips for cyclists on road safety and also some of the must haves when you get on a bike.
What are five tips you would share with beginner cyclists for OCBC Cycle?
Luke: My first tip would be to get the right cycling attire. It's important to be wearing the right cycling attire because when you are riding it feels very different, and you would want to get cycling bib shorts too which has padding so that it is a more comfortable ride.
Informatively, most bike saddles are designed to work with a chamois, which is the pad sewn into cycling shorts. The chamois supports our bone structure, provides cushioning in sensitive areas, and prevents friction that can cause chafing and saddle sores.
Second tip I would give is to always check your tire pressure. You don't want to be going out with a flat.
Third tip would be to know how to change a flat tire, because if you are out there alone and there is no one around you need to know how to change your own tire. And also always remember to bring a spare tube along.
My fourth tip would be to know your cycling routes. Outside of the OCBC Cycle event, sometimes Singapore traffic can be confusing, and if you are traveling overseas even other countries' traffic could be confusing.
So if you have a Garmin Cycling Computer, you can put it in your saved routes in your Garmin, and you are set to go.
You can learn more about Garmin Cycling computers Edge 540 or Edge 840 in our article here.
And a fifth tip would be to prepare for wet weather, because if you have your phone and it's wet and your phone can't function then that's too bad. So prepare for wet weather, bring extra plastic and bring shoe covers along. If not and you get into wet weather you can always try to find shelter.
Singapore is not the most cyclist-friendly of cities, what are three useful things you would share with cyclists to teach them about safety?
Luke: The first thing that Singapore cyclists can do is to always be aware of your surroundings. Cars come from every direction, be aware - always look around before you turn. If you are cycling with a group always notice where they are before you make any turns or stop at traffic lights.
Secondly it would be to cycle with people. Because when you are cycling in a group it makes things safer - cars can see you, when you are cycling alone it's a bit hard. The third would be to always bring your lights along with you when you cycle because even during the day the blinking lights would help to get the driver's attention that "I am aware, please be aware of me."
What's your favourite cycling route in Singapore and why?
Luke: Singapore has a lot of great cycling routes to be honest, but my favourite one would be riding along Lornie Road at 4am in the morning with no cars and no traffic lights.
You ride Lornie Road all the way down to Haw Par Villa and then you get onto West Coast Highway and head straight into the city and do a loop of East Coast before you head back home. To me that's the perfect loop because there is no traffic and you just keep going for miles.
With OCBC Cycle coming soon, what would you say to those who have signed up for the event, and have you taken part in OCBC Cycle before?
Luke: I haven't actually taken part in OCBC Cycle before, I've always wanted to. My dad has participated countless times and he has always wanted me to do it so I'm excited to do it for the first time this year.
I would say for those who are doing the longer distances prep your food well, make sure you bring enough gels, food, isotonic drinks like 100PLUS for your ride. And stay safe on the roads!
If someone wants to transition from a foldie to a proper road bike, would is the most important thing to take note of and what are some of the obvious differences?
Luke: A road bike is much faster and is more aggressive in terms of turning, cornering and responsive compared to a foldable bike. Braking is also kind of different - some brakes are on the top and some are on the side so it affects your hand positioning - so it may require a bit of getting used to.