Road: How Do You Ride Yours? Road Cycling Safety and Etiquette

We all enjoy cycling, but do we do it safely? I’m sure most of us are guilty of running the occasional red light when no-one is looking or riding on the pavement from time to time or maybe you are the perfect law-abiding road angel. Whether you ride for fun at the weekend, commute to work daily by bike or are an all-hours bike-fiend, check out these tips for safe and lawful riding – and remember, we as cyclists can help to improve our name on the roads.

Cyclists are subject to the same laws as other road users, so don’t run red lights and do obey all traffic regulations, signals and signs. Safety should be your number one priority whilst on the bike. Get from A to B with no drama by being predictable, holding your line, making no sudden movements, making eye contact with motorists and indicating your intentions accordingly.

It definitely helps to wear a helmet although there are mixed views in the UK - it might save your life one day. Wear bright clothing with lights and reflectors at night. When riding with others, be courteous and ride single file when traffic is trying to pass you. Don’t draft traffic – not illegal but highly dangerous – do you trust the driver in front with your life….? Didn’t think so….

Also, do remember to be nice to pedestrians! They might be lower in the ‘pecking order’ out there but, by law, we should give way to them and also don’t ride on the pavement unless essential for safety or to avoid danger. Let’s earn respect by showing respect towards others and together, we can enhance the attitude of all road and pavement-users towards cyclists for the better.