Safe cycling

Make sure your bicycle is road worthy, paying particular attention to:

Brakes – Make sure the front and rear brakes are in full working order. The brake blocks should grip the rim when the brake is applied and should not touch the rim when released.
Tyres - Examine the tyres for wear and make sure they have sufficient tread and are that they are correctly inflated.
Steering – Check handlebars are in line with the front wheel and are not loose.
Chain - Make sure it is oiled, that it is moving freely and that the tension is correct so that it will not come off in use.
Lights/ Reflectors - Use front and rear lights and reflectors after sunset, before sunrise and in poor visibility. Check they are working correctly and keep them clean.

Be visible - Wear high-visibility clothing or accessories, or something white or bright.
Wear a cycle helmet – Make sure it is the correct size and properly fitted.

Have a good look around before starting, stopping, turning left and right and also before overtaking parked vehicles.
Use your ears as well as your eyes - Do not use a mobile phone or MP3/Ipod’s as they will distract you; you need all your senses so you are aware of everything around you.

Obey traffic signs and traffic lights; the Highway Code applies to cyclists too.
Cycle at least half a metre from the kerb to avoid drains and gutters.
Never pass nearside between traffic and the pavement especially close to junctions, particularly with large vehicles where the driver may not have noticed you in their wing mirrors.
Don’t ride on the pavement, except where it is designated as cycle path. Where this is the case, moderate your speed and take care when passing pedestrians and at junctions.
If a road junction is busy, do not feel you have to continue cycling; you can always get off push your bike/walk on the pavement.