Bicycles and electric scooters have gained space in cities because they are practical, quiet, and fast on short trips. At the same time, conflicts, scares, and mistaken interpretations about what is or isn’t allowed have increased.
Much of the risk does not come from a lack of infrastructure, but from simple decisions made in the heat of the moment. Understanding basic rules and adopting good practices changes the game significantly.
Myth: bicycles and scooters can circulate anywhere
Not every area is suitable. Circulation should respect the type of roadway and the speed practiced.
Truth: safety is always the priority. In practical terms:
- Bike lanes and cycle tracks are the preferred space. - In their absence, the road must have a compatible speed limit. - Sidewalks only come into play when there is explicit permission and always with maximum care for pedestrians.
Riding where it “seems faster” usually increases risk rather than reducing time.
Truth: safety equipment is not a detail
Helmets are still seen as optional by many people. The same goes for visibility items.
In practice, they make a real difference in urban use:
- A well-fitted helmet reduces serious injuries in simple falls. - Front and rear lights help you be seen at intersections and at night. - Light-colored clothing or reflective elements make movement easier to read.
Passive safety does not prevent mistakes, but it reduces the impact when they happen.
Myth: electric scooters are toys, not vehicles
This idea leads to dangerous behaviors: riding with one hand, loud headphones, zigzagging between cars.
Truth: an electric scooter is a means of transportation. This implies:
- Constant attention to surroundings. - Respect for traffic signals. - Predictability in maneuvers.
The more predictable the movement, the lower the chance of conflict with other road users.
Truth: intersections concentrate most risks
Even on short trips, most incidents happen at intersections.
Simple good practices help:
- Reduce speed before crossing. - Make eye contact with drivers when possible. - Avoid overtaking on the right at corners.
Gaining a few seconds rarely compensates for the exposure at this critical point.
Myth: pedestrians are always wrong in a conflict
In micromobility, who is most vulnerable changes depending on the scenario. On sidewalks and shared areas, pedestrians have priority.
Truth: whoever is moving faster needs to double their care. This includes:
- Warning of your approach with a bell or voice, without startling. - Reducing speed in busy areas. - Maintaining adequate lateral distance.
Urban coexistence is fine-tuning, not a battle for space.
Truth: basic maintenance prevents silly accidents
Misadjusted brakes, underinflated tires, or loose steering go unnoticed until the problem appears at the worst moment.
A quick check before heading out is usually enough:
- Brake function. - Tire condition. - Handlebar tightness. - Battery charge (in the case of electric vehicles).
This habit takes less than a minute and prevents a large portion of everyday incidents.
Myth: experience replaces attention
Those who have used a bicycle or scooter for years tend to relax. Familiar routes become automatic.
Truth: the city changes every day. Construction, detours, distracted drivers, and hurried pedestrians require constant attention.
Experience helps, but it does not immunize. Urban safety depends more on reading the environment than on accumulated confidence.
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