Here are a few helpful hints for safer cycling.
Maintenance
Before you set off, make sure that your bike is in good working order, checking your brakes in particular. The front break should hold the front wheel still even if you try to move the bike forward and the back brake should do the same for the back wheel. You should also check your lights are working if you will be cycling at night.
It’s worth checking your chain on a weekly basis, cleaning and oiling it as necessary. You’ll also need to check your tyres, putting extra air in if they need it.
If you’re going on a big trip or your bike hasn’t had a service for a while it could also be worth investing in a full service to check that everything’s working properly. If you’re heading to a Big Wheel event over the summer Dr Bike will be on hand to make sure that your bike’s in good working order.
The rules of the road
All the usual road traffic laws apply for bikes so make sure you follow the Highway Code
Just following a few simple rules can help to keep you and others safe on the roads:
- Make sure to stop at red traffic lights.
- Don’t ride on the pavement.
- Give good clear signals before making any turn or overtaking, and try not to stop suddenly.
- Use cycle lanes and paths where possible, and never ride more than two side-by-side; on narrow roads stay in single file.
- Don’t ride without lights at night.
Being seen (and heard)
When road traffic accidents involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle occur, the driver will often say they didn’t see the cyclist until it was too late, so it’s important to make sure you’re seen. There are several ways that you can make it easier for others to spot you on the roads – especially if you’re riding at night.
By law, for night-time riding you need to have a white front light and a red rear one, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. And if your bike has a dynamo, remember that your lights will go out when you stop. Although they’re not a legal requirement, a white front reflector and wheel reflectors will further increase your chances of being seen.
What you wear can also make a difference – in the day time, bright or fluorescent colours are best, while reflective materials work best at night. The best value option – suitable for day and night – is a reflective belt and matching arm bands.
Nottingham has miles and miles of safe roads and cycleways but they are nearly all shared in some way with pedestrians, so bells are essential for all our safety in order to warn people of our approach.
Don’t forget that Ridewise offer training and advice on safer cycling in Nottingham.
