USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT CYCLING ON ROADS AND A GUIDE TO SAFER CYCLING By Leila

Cycling is a popular hobby that many people take up, but it is essential that you stay safe when you are cycling because there are lots of dangers to be aware of when you are on your bike. One of the most dangerous hazards on the road is cars. To be able to cycle safely on a road, you must know how to be sensible near traffic.

It is very important that before you begin cycling you have checked your bike and have made sure that it is safe. Here is some safety advice for you before you begin your journey. YOUR BIKE Make sure that your bike is the right size for you and is well maintained. You MUST NOT cycle on the pavement unless there is a cycle path/shared use path.

Always wear a cycle helmet. Wear bright clothes with fluorescent strips or accessories(but remember, fluorescent items help you to be seen only during the day). Reflective items work at night.

Cycle helmets are extremely important. They are a crucial piece of equipment when you are cycling and could save your life. The helmet and straps should not cover your ears, but should meet just under your ears. The helmet should fit snugly and you should be able to see well.

 Check that it is safe and wheel your bike on to the left side of the road near the kerb, if there is one.  Sit on your bike with your left foot on the kerb and your brakes covered. Your right foot should be on the pedal in the two o’ clock “start position”, ready to push down.  Look behind over your right shoulder to check for any traffic.  When you are sure that it is safe, set off into the stream of traffic.

When you are passing a side road, you should always look as far as possible into that road to look for any vehicles at or approaching this junction. Do this as early as you can. You should look behind your right shoulder to see if there are any other cars behind you. Slowly cycle past, riding slightly further out into the middle of the road so cars behind you don’t think you’re turning into the side road.

Look ahead and behind to see if it is safe to overtake. If there are no cars behind you, slowly cycle past the parked car. If it is not safe, stop behind the obstacle, wait until it is safe, put your pedal in the start position and slowly overtake the obstacle.

Turning left: Look behind your right shoulder. If needed, give a clear “I intend to turn left” signal. Return your hand to the handlebar and slow down. Keep looking ahead and at the road you are turning into. Slowly turn into the minor road.

Turning left: Look behind over your right shoulder and, if needed, indicate that you are turning left. As you approach the junction, start checking for traffic on the major road, especially on the right. Make your speed appropriate. Remember that you must either give way to traffic on the major road or, if there is a sign that says so, stop.

Turning right: As you approach the junction, look behind over your right shoulder. If necessary, give a clear “I intend to turn right” signal. Move slowly across to the centre of your lane. Put your hand back on the handlebar and keep checking for traffic. If there is traffic approaching, you should stop opposite the centre line of the minor road and put your pedal in the start position, signalling whilst waiting. When it is safe, check over your right shoulder and make your turn.

Turning right: Look behind your right shoulder and signal that you are turning right. Slowly move to the centre of your lane. Put your hand back on the handlebar and start looking for traffic on the major road. If the junction is a ‘give way’ you should only go if there is no approaching traffic on the major road. If the junction has a stop sign, you should stop at the line, put your pedal in the start position and, if it is safe to make the turn, cycle straight across and turn right.

To be able to cycle on the road, you must be able to recognise different road signs which mean different things. Here are some signs and their meanings: =STOP! =bumpy road =road works =slippery road ahead =no motor vehicles beyond this point = cycle-shared path

By Leila