Some people think that cyclists need to take and approve an exam before using bikes on public streets in order to guarantee transit safety. I strongly agree with the statement because many bikers do not respect basic safety measures, and road rules can change 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 the appropriate equipment like helmets, knee pads, or elbow pads, and it can bring disastrous functional and life-threating consequences. For instance, Chicago’s Red Cross documented 2500 bicycle accidents on 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 sequela. These are some of the reasons why I support the importance of taking a test before receiving a permit to ride on the roads.
Another reason why cyclists have to get authorization through a test is because transit laws vary among states or countries. Developed nations have prioritized bicycles as a means of transport for people, developing specific laws enacted to protect their citizens. This includes specific banned areas or roads for riding, speed limits, and traffic signals that riders need to respect without exception. However, those rules are not universally established. For instance, the UK introduced the cycling rule book in 2020, and since they have a high amount of old people, riding bikes is prohibited in some areas like city centers and parks; however, it is allowed in other parts of Europe. This highlights the relevance of getting related to each country’s law before practicing any outdoor activity and depicts an additional reason to maintain my position regarding taking a test before cycling.
To conclude, safety is primordial for cycling, and passing an exam before starting this activity on public streets is mandatory as not all cyclists follow basic protection measures, and they do not realize the danger they are exposed to. Additionally, the transit legal code can change depending on the region or area, so it is important to be legally authorized in order to avoid breaking the rules, and harm others.