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Introduction
Riding a cycle which is too big or too small for you can affect your balance.
 Make sure your cycle is safe to ride. The brakes must work properly and tyres should be in good condition and pumped up. The chain should be correctly adjusted and oiled and it is a good idea to fit a bell. Wear a cycle helmet - it will help to protect you if you have an accident.
When you have to carry anything on your cycle, use a bike bag or panniers. Carrying things on your handlebars makes steering difficult - they could also catch in the front wheel. Make sure that your clothing does not get caught in the chain or wheels.
Make sure that other road users can see you. Wear fluorescent materials in daylight and at dusk, and something reflective at night. A cycle spacer may be helpful as a warning to other drivers. At night you must have front and back lights which work well, and a clean back reflector. Spoke and pedal reflectors are also useful.
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You should not ride on the pavement unless there are special signs allowing you to do so.
Wheel your cycle to the edge of the kerb and, if safe, place it in the road. Get on your cycle and look all round for traffic even if you have a mirror fitted. When it is safe to move off, signal with your right arm if necessary. Then, with both hands on the handlebars, cycle away.
Ride far enough from the edge of the road to avoid drains and gutters.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars unless you are signalling.
If riding with others on busy or narrow roads, you should ride one behind the other. Never ride more than two side by side on any road.
Even if you are wheeling your cycle in the road, you must still obey traffic light signals and road signs. You must also obey the signals made by police officers, traffic wardens or school crossing patrols.
Never hold onto any vehicle or another cyclist.
You must not carry a passenger on your cycle.
You should never lead an animal whilst cycling.
Before starting off, turning right or left, overtaking, or stopping, you must look behind and make sure it is safe. Give a clear arm signal to show what you intend to do.
When turning from one road into another, look out for pedestrians who are crossing that road. Give way to them.
If you want to turn right from a busy road, moving to the middle of the road may be difficult and dangerous. It is often safer to stop on the left hand side before or after the junction and wait for a safe gap in the traffic before walking with your cycle across the road. This is especially important in the dark.
Watch out for traffic that may suddenly stop, turn left in front of you, emerge from a side turning or pull away from the kerb. Long vehicles need room to turn so do not ride up beside them when they do so.
Only overtake when you are certain it is safe to do so. If you are overtaking parked vehicles, watch out for them starting off while you are doing so. Look for car doors opening and for pedestrians darting out into the road in front of you.
You should not wear a personal stereo whilst cycling.You can't hear the other traffic if you do so, and riding on the road needs your full attention.
You must stop for pedestrians on Zebra crossings.
Be ready to stop for the red light at Pelican crossings. When the amber light flashes, you may continue if there is nobody on the crossing.
Roundabouts can be difficult for cyclists to use safely. If you are not sure it is safe, get off your cycle and walk. When riding into a roundabout you must give way to traffic coming from your right. Look out for vehicles which may turn in front of you.
Only ride in bus lanes if there is a cycle shown on the sign.
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When cycling in the dark or at dusk, you must have a white front lamp, a red rear lamp and a red reflector. Wear something reflective and fit spoke reflectors. If you have dynamo lighting, remember the lights go out when you stop. When other vehicles are using their lights, use yours too.
If you want to turn right, it is more difficult and dangerous to move to the middle of the road when it is dark.
Stop on the left hand side and wait for a gap in the traffic before you turn.
Always park your cycle sensibly so that it is not in the way of other people. Lock it to prevent it being stolen and have the frame stamped with your postcode.
Be careful when cycling near horses and other animals. Give them plenty of room as you go by. Animals are easily frightened by sudden noises so do not use your bell.
Useful External Links
Avoiding Cycle / Car Conflicts
Cycling Tourist Club
Sustrans |