The best steps a cyclist can take to avoid being the victim of a bike accident on the roads of Britain is to be proactive in understanding and obeying the rules of the Highway Code. This will inform you of all the rules of the road and will advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do, in addition to explaining how different road users ought to behave towards one another on the road.
1. CLOTHING
You may choose to wear a cycle helmet, however, the wearing of cycle helmets is not compulsory in the UK. If you do, it is important to ensure the helmet conforms to industry standards, is the correct size and fitted securely.
As cycling is simply another method of travelling on the roads today, to insist that specialist clothing is required is bound to imply that it is more dangerous than other forms of transport and overall this is not particularly productive for encouraging cycling in the UK. That being said, a little common sense when choosing your cycling attire can make you more visible on the roads. It goes without saying that your clothes should be comfortable fitting and sensible, i.e. nothing that could risk becoming tangled in your wheels or chain, however, there are no rules against being fashionable on a bicycle – hence the famous Tweed Runs of London and New York!
If you are concerned about other road users not being able to see you whilst cycling on the road a simple measure you can take is to wear a brightly coloured cycling jacket during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) at night time or in the dark.
2. LIGHTS
When cycling in the dark, it is UK law for you to have white front and red rear lights lit at all times. Your bicycle must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen in the dark. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lights use a steady front light.
3. CYCLE ROUTES AND OTHER FACILITIES
It is advisable for cyclists to make use of all specialist facilities for cycling available if it is safe to do so. Many cyclists may feel more secure in designated facilities, hoping that other road users will respect their “space”, however, use of these facilities is not compulsory and it is stated in the Highway Code that cyclists are entitled to use the road as any other vehicle and so should be allowed to do so by other road users – this will obviously depend on your experience, skills and confidence.
4. CYCLE TRACKS
These facilities are usually located away from roads, such as greenways, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Often, cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated, but there are occasions when they must effectively share the space. When cycling on segregated cycle tracks, you must keep to the side of the track that is designated for cyclists, as this will ensure that pedestrians using the footpath side of the track are able to travel without fear of a collision with a cyclist. Care must be taken when passing a pedestrian, especially if you are travelling at speed or passing children and elderly people; giving them space as you pass will reduce the chances of startling them - being passed by a larger, faster moving vehicle is certainly something a cyclist can empathise with.
5. CYCLE LANES
Cycle lanes are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. It is advisable when using this facility to keep within the lines of the lane whilst practical, as road users passing you will expect you to do this. When leaving a cycle lane to enter the road for any reason, you must check that it is safe for you to pull out before doing so, signalling your intention clearly to other roads users that are present. Again the use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and if it is not safe to do so, such as occasions when there are vehicles blocking the lane, or the road surface is dangerous, you are completely right to make use of the road as any other vehicle would.
