Tips and advice for cycling safely

For many, cycling can be one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to travel. It is perfect for nipping through city traffic and burning a few calories too. But, without knowing how to ride safely, cycling on roads can be dangerous. 

Preparing to ride on roads before you take your cycle out is vital. Although more pedestrians are killed than cyclists per billion miles travelled, cycling on roads can still be very dangerous. Cycle accidents can result not only in terrible injuries but sadly also in death. So by preparing to ride on roads, you can reduce your risk of an accident. Below we share some useful tips on preparing to ride on the road. 

Read the Highway Code

For any road user, it is important that you know and abide by the Highway Code.  This is probably the most important preparation you can do before cycling on the road. Reading the Highway Code means you: 

• know how to cycle safely on roads which reduces the risk of a cycling accident
• can recite the rules which can avoid being arrested by the police or an unsuccessful insurance claim. 

Check the condition of your bike

Before you take to the roads on your cycle, ensure you check the condition of it first. Causes of cycling accidents on the road can simply be because the equipment used was not safe to use.  So, for example, check the following:

• your helmet
• your tyre inflation
• that brakes are working
• that lights are working
• your chain defects
• any gear issues
• fractures to your bike frame

Ensure you have all the correct equipment

As part of preparing to ride on roads, you will need to ensure you have all the correct equipment. For example, if you plan to ride in the dark you need to buy cycle lights, both to help direct your way in the dark and to ensure others see you on the road.  A spare pair of lights are useful to have too.

Get a helmet and reflective clothing

It probably goes without saying that you must make sure you have a helmet. Although it is not required by law to wear one in the UK, a helmet can reduce your risk of an injury when cycling by a massive 70%! It is also important to ensure it is fitted correctly and that it complies with safety standards. 

Also, be sure to wear reflective clothing which can include bright clothes and reflective accessories such as a belt or ankle bands, as well as fitting reflectors to your bike. One of the main reasons cyclists have accidents on the road is because they cannot be seen. In the UK, the front and rear lights of your bike must by law be lit, clean and correctly working when you cycle anytime between sunset and sunrise. 

If you are a cyclist in the UK, you must be aware of important cycling safety tips to help keep you safe when road cycling. 

Be aware of potential hazards

There are many hazards to be aware of when cycling in the UK. For example, try to keep far back from large vehicles such as lorries as they may not clearly see you. Road cycling hazards can also be hazards which are not moving too, such as parked cars. When cycling on the road you should steer clear of parked cars in case a door opens suddenly and hits you. 

Position correctly and use your signals 

You must position yourself correctly when cycling on the roads and this includes not cycling too close to the kerb. Being 50 centimetres to 1 metre away from the kerb means you are: 

• seen better by drivers
• unlikely to ride over dangerous things such as debris and potholes
• unlikely to be hit by a car door opening

However, sometimes, it is best to position yourself in the ‘primary position' on the road such as when a vehicle has no opportunity to overtake you.  

When cycling on the roads, you must also be sure to signal when necessary. So if you are turning left, show others by using your left hand and vice versa if you are turning right. Also, learn other hand signals such as those for slowing down and stopping. Signalling when cycling is essential as many bike accidents occur at intersections in the road so others need to know where you're going. 

Stay off paths and use bike lanes

You must avoid pavement cycling as part of cycling safely. Pavements are for pedestrians who will be moving at a much slower pace than you so a collision could easily occur. Also, pavements are not made for cycling so you are more likely to come across a bump which can cause an accident. 

Ideally use bike lanes where these are available. Bike lanes are the safest place for bikes and reduce the risk of you having a cycling accident.  

Observe and communicate always

Cycling safely means observing and communicating as much as is needed. This can include communication as simple as eye contact with other drivers, which can reassure you that they have seen you. 

Observing can be as obvious as paying attention to traffic signals and this includes stopping at red lights. Traffic lights are for cyclists too and ignoring red lights can cost you a £50 fine. Observing can also mean watching out for hazards such as pedestrians on the road and children playing with balls near to the road. 

Keep your hands on your bike!

As a cyclist on the road, you must keep your hands on your bike. It may sound obvious, but some cyclists like to show off their cycling skills by riding hands-free. No matter how good your balance is, taking your hands off your bike can cause you to be slower to react to hazards on the road. 

No doubt you know that keeping your hands on your bike also means not using any phones or devices when road cycling and not using earphones either. 

Ride with the flow of traffic

It is important when cycling on roads that you ride with the traffic. Some even say to ride as though you are in a car. This means that you do not weave in and out of cars but instead do as others expect other users of the road to do.

If cycling isn't your thing  and you prefer to stick to the comfort and speed of a car, you can also do your bit to help cyclists to stay safe. Here are some tips:

Give cyclists time and room

To help keep cyclists safe on the roads you must give cyclists time and room. So on a narrow road, for example, with parked cars and no cycle lanes. Also, when overtaking a cyclist you should give at least 1.5 metres of space where you are moving up to 30 mph.  

Be patient with cyclists

Cyclists can have less control than you have in your car, particularly when approaching a junction at lower speeds. It is, therefore, essential that you are patient with them. Also if you have just overtaken a cyclist do not immediately turn left. They need time to change their speed and may not have this which can cause an accident. 

Be alert and aware

As a driver, you know only too well the importance of staying alert and being aware. In terms of cycling safely, keep using your mirrors to look out for cyclists and if you do spot them, make eye contact and let them know.

Anticipate potential hazards

As a driver, you should be aware of situations with cyclists that can be more dangerous so you anticipate these. For example, when you are:

•  emerging from junctions
• approaching junctions
• on roundabouts and a cyclist needs to swap lanes with you.  

^{Last updated 15.03.23}