Some people think that cyclists need to take and pass an exam before using bicycles on public streets in order to guarantee transit safety. I strongly agree with this statement because many bikers do not respect basic safety measures, and road rules vary among countries.
The main reason people argue cyclists must be authorized to ride bicycles is that most of them underestimate the value of self-protection. It is common for bicycle users to ride in city centers or on high-speed roads without appropriate equipment like helmets, knee pads, or elbow pads, and this can bring disastrous, life-threatening consequences. For instance, Chicago’s Red Cross documented 2500 bicycle accidents in its annual report, 5% of which were categorized as fatal, and 40% of the cyclists treated ended up with major injuries; that is to say, with functional sequelae.
Another reason why cyclists should get authorization through a test is that transit laws vary among states or countries. Developed nations have prioritized bicycles as a means of transport, developing specific laws enacted to protect their citizens. This includes specific banned areas or roads for riding, speed limits, and traffic signals that riders must respect without exception. However, these rules are not universally established. For instance, the UK introduced the cycling rule book in 2020, and since they have a high number of older people, riding bicycles is prohibited in some areas, like city centers and parks; however, it is allowed in other parts of Europe.
To conclude, safety is paramount for cycling, and passing an exam before starting this activity on public streets is mandatory because not all cyclists follow basic protection measures, and they do not realize the danger to which they are exposed. Additionally, the transit legal code varies depending on the region or area, so it is important to be legally authorized in order to break the rules by harming others.