It’s easy to identify new international students: you’ll see them wobbling on their bikes trying to find their balance. They are either completely new to biking or have been out of touch with the concept for a long time. I was no different when I started biking. I used to stop for cars when I had right of way and didn’t fully understand bike lanes, traffic signs etc.

In my country, traffic drives on the left, so in every panicky situation I would always swerve to the wrong side of the road. It also makes me overtake on the wrong side. I remember ignoring a traffic sign and just shooting off onto the road because I lacked practice using the pedal breaks on my bike. I have seen similar numerous bike accidents, especially with the new international students. They were the result of small mistakes, but they could lead to some serious accidents as well.

Biking is not as difficult as driving a car, especially thanks to the separate biking lanes. But still, there are complex intersections. And you learn from your (good/bad) experiences as well. But it’s better to train yourself to avoid any possible threat to yourself and the safety of people around. Talk to your seniors and get some biking lessons, introduction week(s) should also have some (fun) activities linked to biking, like bike trips and traffic rule lectures.

Happy Biking!