Cycling is healthy, convenient and enjoyable. But sharing space with other road users can be difficult at times. That is why we are working hard to improve conditions for cyclists.
Below we have highlighted a few tips on how to enjoy your ride while showing consideration for others.
▪ Be assertive: You have the same right to use the road as that motor car behind you! Keep well out from the kerb or parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers who might cross your path and use hand signals when turning.
▪ Give pedestrians priority on shared paths: give them the kind of space that you would like to be given by cars.
▪ Make sure you can be seen at night: use lights and consider wearing hi-visibility clothing or adding reflective material to your bike.
▪ Take extra care in the rain: Give yourself extra room to manoeuvre or stop.
▪ Jumping red lights and riding on pedestrian-only pavements is illegal and can be dangerous or frightening for others. Don’t do it!
▪ Take special care at junctions and never cut inside a left-turning lorry – it’s potentially hazardous and not worth the risk for a few seconds saved.
▪ Using a mobile whilst cycling can distract your attention from the road. Better to stop and take that call.
▪ Consider investing in panniers, a rack, basket or good rucksack: dangling shopping from your handlebars or carrying bags under one arm will make it much harder to steer safely.
▪ Look after your bike! A well-maintained bike is your best ally on the road. Check your tyres and brakes regularly. If you want to learn how to service your bike, why not contact LCC to find your nearest bike maintenance course. Why not organize a Dr Bike for your workplace, school or community group to get your bike checked and learn how to perform basic maintenance.
▪ Do tell other road users when their actions may have caused you an accident. But remember that being calm and polite is more likely to get your point across; you can win more support for cyclists by waving or otherwise acknowledging when someone has been courteous to you.
CYCLING……GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR LONDON!
