Top tips
Do you cycle to work, school or just for pleasure?
Get into good habits
- 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.
- 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 give way 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.
- Don't weave in and out of traffic or change direction suddenly without signalling.
- Give pedestrians priority when necessary.
- Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence - fit a bell if your bicycle is not fitted with one.
- If you are not confident cycling in moving traffic you may want to consider further cycle training.
Is your bike road worthy?
- Check your bike is road worthy on a regular basis.
Why wear a helmet?
- Wearing a cycle helmet will help to protect your head. Make sure it is the correct size and properly fitted
Are you visible?
- Wear high-visibility clothing or accessories.
- Or something white or bright.
- Have working lights and reflectors.
What’s going on around you?
- 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.
Make eye contact with drivers
- Make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you.