City Cycling Tips
Posted on October 27, 2009
Be alert
- be aware of everything going on around you
- watch out for pedestrians stepping off the kerb
- watch out for vehicles pulling into the kerb or turning left
- look up and around, rather than just in front of your bike
- practice looking behind without wobbling or swerving
- watch out for vehicles coming out of side streets - they may not see you
Watch your position on the road
- ride further out, away from the kerb. You'll be more obvious and easier to avoid
- allow at least a full door width's space between you and parked cars - and watch for open doors
- if the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you then it may be safest to ride in middle of the road
Wait ahead at lights
- wait in front of other vehicles when you're at traffic lights
- make sure you are well in front of large vehicles such as HGVs and are not waiting on the left - make eye contact so they know you are there. If you can't get to the front safely, wait behind the vehicle
Be seen and be safe
- a bright jacket or rucksack can make you easier to see
- by law, after dark you must have white lights at the front and red lights at back of your bicycle
- put reflective strips on your rucksack, panniers, jacket or wrist bands for better visibility at night
- it is not the law to wear a helmet but many Londoners choose to - if you wear a helmet, make sure it fits - tighten the straps so that you can't push the helmet up your forehead, side to side or up at the back
- try Safe Turn for your indications
Make eye contact
- make eye contact with drivers to ensure they know you're there - it will make them give you the space on the road that you deserve
Ride confidently
- know where you should be on the road and stick to your guns
- in heavy traffic go at the same speed as other vehicles
- look out for drivers trying to move onto the road you're on
- be assertive, not aggressive