In terms of cycling safety, what does the term "defensive riding" mean?

Defensive riding refers to the practice of being aware of one’s surroundings and anticipating potential hazards while cycling. This approach involves constantly scanning the environment for potential dangers such as vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions, and other cyclists. By doing so, a cyclist can react proactively instead of reactively, which enhances safety. It emphasizes preparedness and caution, allowing a rider to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to avoid accidents.

In contrast, aggressive cycling can lead to risky behaviors and decreased safety; riding at a constant speed may not be adaptive to varying road conditions; ignoring distractions essentially increases risk, as awareness of the surrounding environment is critical for preventing accidents. Therefore, the core of defensive riding lies in being vigilant and responsive, ensuring that cyclists can navigate safely through different scenarios they may encounter.