Cycling

To make sure you’re cycling safely, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• Be visible to other road users and pedestrians. Steer well clear of the curb; wear bright or fluorescent clothing in daylight and in poor light and reflective clothing at night. Always use lights after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast.
• Don’t ride in the gutter. Give yourself space on the left, and don’t feel you have to hug the curb if a car behind you gets impatient.
• Protect yourself. Always wear a helmet as this reduces the risk of head injury if you are involved in a crash.
• Show drivers what you plan to do in plenty of time. Always look and signal before you start, stop or make a turn. Make eye contact with drivers and let them know you’ve seen them.
• Ride decisively. Don’t weave between lanes or change direction suddenly without signalling.
• Use cycle facilities wherever possible: these include cycle lanes and paths, advanced stop lines for cycles at traffic lights.

• Mark your frame. UV marker pens are available from the Travelchoice Team
• Never leave your bike unlocked, even if you’re just popping into a shop
• It is generally considered that U-locks (also known as D-locks) are the most secure form of cycle lock, although it is often best to use two different types of lock; a U-lock and a cable or chain lock for instance. It is recommended that your lock(s) should cost approximately 10% of the value of your bike
• When locking your bike, position your bike frame and wheels so that you take up as much of the open space within the lock as possible. The tighter the lock, the harder it will be for a thief to attempt to remove it
• Always lock your bike to something solid, such as a Sheffield stand, in a public and well-lit area
• If you have quick release wheels, take off the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel
• If you have a pump or detachable lights take them with you when you leave your bike