Cycle Safety

Remember the below cycle safety tips to ensure that you can enjoy your cycling trips.

When cycling:

• Ensure that your bicycle is in proper working order (see our bike checklist for details) and fit with a bell
• Cycle within your own capabilities - do not be too adventurous
• Follow the Highway Code
• Cycle at a sensible speed, adhering to the speed of the road
• Remember that it is illegal to cycle on footways unless signs or markings allow it
• Wear bright clothing, (click here for more information)
• Wear a protective helmet (click here for more information)
• Use your bell when you approach other cyclists or walkers from behind, do not assume that everyone will automatically hear you approaching, many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired.

On cycle trails and shared use paths:

• Ride slowly
• Respect other users (walkers and pony/horse riders)
• When overtaking , warn others of your presence politely and pass in single file
• Keep to your side of any dividing line
• Take particular care at bends, junctions and entrances
• Give way to pedestrians

On roads and country lanes:

• Keep in single file
• At bends, be prepared for oncoming traffic, kept left
• Look out for hazards, including sudden descents, tight bends, pot-holes, mud and loose gravel on the road
• Apply gentle pressure to both brakes on descents

At junctions:

• Signal your intention to drivers behind you
• When turning right take great care. After checking behind you and signalling, move to the right, just left of the centre of the road and turn when it is safe to do so.

The website Cyclesense also provides a number of essential cycle safety tips. Please note our disclaimer.

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