ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR MEMBERS
At Rangoon Cycling
Network we want our members to enjoy cycling safely, so we have asked our
experts in our cycle training team to put together ten useful tips to help you
along the way.
1. Plan your journey
before you set off
If you have a long
ride ahead of you or if you are new to cycling and are likely to get tired
before you reach your destination, alter your route to take this into account.
This may mean using quiet roads or cycling facilities, such as off-road cycle
paths, towards the end of your journey or stopping for a quick break. This
might sound simple but accidents commonly happen towards the end of a ride. If
you know your route well, you can plan the road ahead more effectively.
2. Anticipate
movements
Some vehicles
travelling in front of you may need to stop quickly. You need to leave enough
distance between you and the vehicle ahead so that you can pull up safely if it
suddenly slows down or stops.
Braking distances vary
on bikes so know yours before setting off on the road. Remember to take account
of the road conditions and weather and be mindful that it takes longer to stop
on a bike than it does in a car. What is happening around you can change very
quickly so make sure you stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
3. Think about your
road positioning
To maximise your line
of vision you are encouraged to cycle in primary position, ie, in the centre of
the lane.
4. Monitor your speed
and use your brakes effectively
It’s great to use declines to build up some speed without exerting any energy but to ensure you are in control and able to avoid any oncoming vehicles in your path, cycle at a safe and consistent speed.
5. Be aware and
anticipate
Always be aware of
what is happening around you. This includes vehicles on the opposite side of
the road which can cut across your path, vehicles waiting to pull out of minor
roads into the major road and vehicles moving out into your lane to avoid
parked cars or swerving to avoid hazards. When passing side roads assess the
intentions of other road users, for example, are they indicating?
6. Be seen
Move into the primary
position to pass side roads if there is any danger in order to maximise the
chances of you being seen. The Highway Code advises that you should wear
light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and poor light conditions it
also recommends reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark.
Make sure you know the
Highway Code regarding lights and reflectors – it is a legal requirement for
you to have a white front and red rear light lit at night and to have a red
rear reflector attached.
7. Communicate with
other road users
Try to make eye
contact with drivers/pedestrians to check whether they have seen you. If the
other road user is not looking at you, they may not have seen you!
8. Avoid filtering
when it will put you in conflict with other road users
Filtering is a useful
way for cyclists to get ahead of queuing traffic. However, you should be aware
when filtering past junctions as vehicles travelling in the same direction as
you may give way to oncoming right turning traffic, which may well be out of
your line of sight and may not be aware of your presence. Be extremely careful
if passing an HGV, LGV or other long vehicle (for example, a coach or bus) on
the inside. Avoid this if at all possible.
9. Check for a gap in
the traffic when avoiding obstructions
If you can only avoid
an obstruction by moving out into the flow of traffic, check over your right
shoulder first to ensure you have room to move out. If a vehicle is travelling
too close to you to allow this, slow down until you have a safe gap.
10. Cross tramlines
and level crossings safely
If you need to cross
tramlines do so slowly and as close to a 90 degree angle as possible to avoid
your tyres slipping into the gap and becoming trapped. The Highway Code advises
cyclists to dismount where a ‘Cyclist Dismount’ sign is displayed.
Finally, always
remember to follow the Highway Code.
For further
information about staying safe on today’s roads please contact our cycle
training team email:
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