Cycle Safety

Riding Your Bicycle Safely

Be familiar with your local and other Boroughs' cycle routes.
Look for cycle signs and cycle routes.
Pedestrians should be given priority at all times, remember that some of them may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence. Make use of your bell to inform them of your presence. Fit a bell or horn if your bicycle is not fitted with one.
Try not to hold up traffic by riding very slowly - always make use of cycle lanes.

What you should do

Wear reflective and fluorescent clothing suitable for the weather and time of day that will help other road users to see you.
Always wear cycle helmets to prevent head injuries. Replace any damaged helmets for maximum protection.
Use mirrors, if fitted, to check for motor vehicles behind you when you are emerging or changing direction.
Allow ample time to inform vehicles behind of your intention to turn either left or right with hand signals.
Be very cautious at blind spots, think ahead before you react.

What you should not do

At bends and corners of junctions, do not try to speed past a lorry or long vehicle when turning left, the driver may not have seen the cyclist approaching at the nearside. It can be very dangerous.
Avoid swerving left and right on the road, ride in a straight line and use the cycle lanes.
Avoid speeding behind a moving vehicle, if it brakes sharply there could be a collision.
Avoid carrying any load that will affect your balance and centre of gravity.