Safe Cycling Guide Tips

Safe Cycling - a guide to safer riding

Tip 1. Avoid trucks

Never wait between a kerb and a truck at a junction. If the truck turns left, the driver may not see you. Stay well behind or preferably in front where you can be seen. And wear a helmet, unlike the cyclist in the photo!

Tip 2. Stay clear of the kerb                                                         The kerb is not your friend. Ride clear of it so that drivers steer around you. Hugging the pavement invites them to try and scrape past.

Tip 3. Show your face

Looking at drivers at junctions helps them to view you as a fellow road user they would rather not run over. Do the same to vehicles on your tail.

Tip 4. Use your neck

Learn how to look over your shoulder without wobbling and do so regularly- particularly before making a manoeuvre, when you should also stick out an arm

Tip 5. Obey the Code
Some may argue that it is safer, say, to jump a red light than wait in a truck's shadow but flouting the law endangers you and harms the image of cyclists

Tip 6. Overtake Buses
If you are approaching a bus at a stop, look over your shoulder, and move to overtake. If you can't, wait behind the bus. Never undertake.

Tip 7. Be Bright
It's more important to show your face and position yourself well, but bright clothing, strong lights and reflectors will help you get noticed.

Tip 8. Plan your Route
It stands to reason that your'e probably more vulnerable in three lanes of traffic doing 60kph than on a residential side street.

Final Tip 9. Find a friend
If you are new or lapsed cyclist, venture out with a more experienced friend. Keep a good distance behind and watch. Then let them follow you and take their advice.