Know your Highway Code – there are sections of the code which apply to cyclists and it is good sense to know all you can for your own safety and the safety of others. There are cycling courses around and it’s a great idea to attend – even if you have been cycling for a considerable time you may learn something new in respect to safety.
Stay focused – don’t use your mobile phone or listen to music wearing head phones – your total attention on what you are doing can be life saving for you and others. When cycling keep your awareness on what’s going on around you – anticipate car drivers’ reactions and remember that they cannot respond to situations as quickly as an alert cyclist. Make sure you cycle a doors width from parked cars – drivers and car passengers might just open a door without checking to see who is coming. Always look and signal before making any manoeuvre. Never cycle more than two abreast. When cycling on paths shared with pedestrians use your bell as a warning that you are there – slow down when necessary – keep to the cycling side of the path – be alert for children and pedestrians who might not be focused.
It is essential to know your Highway Code – what do road markings mean? – who has priority and when? – how to negotiate bus lanes and what to do in the case of an accident – and much more.
You need to have insurance for yourself and for your bike to cover you for accidents that may occur. Should an accident occur where someone is hurt the police must be informed straight away. For first aid information click here and also consider doing a first aid course.
As we know cycling is great – use the resources out there to make it safe.