Cycling to Work
Staying safe on your commute
Cycling to work is one of the easiest ways of fitting exercise into your day. It will also save you money on petrol or public transport costs.
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If you don't have a bike, you may be able to get a cheap bike through the Cycle to Work scheme. If you live in the Greater London area, you could use the available Cycle Hire services.
If you have an old bike that's been gathering dust, consider having it serviced at a specialist bike shop to ensure it's roadworthy before taking it out for a spin.
If you cycle to and from work, it is important to stay safe even on routes you travel every day. Keep the following tips in mind:
€ Look behind you before you turn, overtake or stop.
€ Use arm signals before you turn right or left.
€ Obey traffic lights and road signs.
€ Don't ride on the pavement unless there's a sign that says you can.
€ On busy or narrow roads, don't cycle next to another person.
€ When overtaking parked cars, watch out for car doors opening suddenly and allow room to pass safely.
€ Don't use headphones while cycling.
€ Never use a mobile phone while cycling.
€ Be visible
Make sure you're visible to other road users and pedestrians. Keep away from the kerb, wear bright or fluorescent clothing in daylight or poor light, and reflective clothing at night. Always use lights after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast.
€ Don't cycle too close to the kerb
Give yourself space on the left and don't feel you have to cycle close to the kerb if a car behind you gets impatient. By moving further into the road you'll avoid drain covers and roadside debris. You'll also help drivers think more carefully about when it's safe to pass you.
€ Protect yourself
Always wear a helmet as this reduces the risk of head injury if you're in an accident. To be effective, the helmet must be level on the head, with the pads inside touching all the way around and the strap comfortably snug.
€ Make eye contact
Always be aware of who is around you. Make eye contact with drivers and let them know you've seen them. This will tell you if the driver has seen you or not, which is especially helpful before you make a manoeuvre.
€ Make your intentions clear
Show drivers what you plan to do in plenty of time and when it's safe to do so. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn. Looking over your shoulder while indicating with one hand can be tricky at first, so practise this first when you're not on the road.
________________________________________
Cycling etiquette
€ Don't weave in and out of traffic or change direction suddenly without signalling.
€ Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless it's unsafe to do so at the time. It's not compulsory to use these, and whether you do so will depend on your experience and skills. But they can make your journey safer.
€ Give pedestrians priority at all times. Some may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence.
€ Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence. Fit a bell or horn if your bicycle is not fitted with one.
________________________________________
Cycling Proficiency
In England and Wales, Bikeability is the national programme for bicycle training covering basic handling to navigating complex traffic conditions. Both children and adults can take part in a number of Bikeability accredited training schemes across the UK.
Cycling to work is one of the easiest ways of fitting exercise into your day. It will also save you money on petrol or public transport costs.
________________________________________
If you don't have a bike, you may be able to get a cheap bike through the Cycle to Work scheme. If you live in the Greater London area, you could use the available Cycle Hire services.
If you have an old bike that's been gathering dust, consider having it serviced at a specialist bike shop to ensure it's roadworthy before taking it out for a spin.
If you cycle to and from work, it is important to stay safe even on routes you travel every day. Keep the following tips in mind:
€ Look behind you before you turn, overtake or stop.
€ Use arm signals before you turn right or left.
€ Obey traffic lights and road signs.
€ Don't ride on the pavement unless there's a sign that says you can.
€ On busy or narrow roads, don't cycle next to another person.
€ When overtaking parked cars, watch out for car doors opening suddenly and allow room to pass safely.
€ Don't use headphones while cycling.
€ Never use a mobile phone while cycling.
€ Be visible
Make sure you're visible to other road users and pedestrians. Keep away from the kerb, wear bright or fluorescent clothing in daylight or poor light, and reflective clothing at night. Always use lights after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast.
€ Don't cycle too close to the kerb
Give yourself space on the left and don't feel you have to cycle close to the kerb if a car behind you gets impatient. By moving further into the road you'll avoid drain covers and roadside debris. You'll also help drivers think more carefully about when it's safe to pass you.
€ Protect yourself
Always wear a helmet as this reduces the risk of head injury if you're in an accident. To be effective, the helmet must be level on the head, with the pads inside touching all the way around and the strap comfortably snug.
€ Make eye contact
Always be aware of who is around you. Make eye contact with drivers and let them know you've seen them. This will tell you if the driver has seen you or not, which is especially helpful before you make a manoeuvre.
€ Make your intentions clear
Show drivers what you plan to do in plenty of time and when it's safe to do so. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn. Looking over your shoulder while indicating with one hand can be tricky at first, so practise this first when you're not on the road.
________________________________________
Cycling etiquette
€ Don't weave in and out of traffic or change direction suddenly without signalling.
€ Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless it's unsafe to do so at the time. It's not compulsory to use these, and whether you do so will depend on your experience and skills. But they can make your journey safer.
€ Give pedestrians priority at all times. Some may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence.
€ Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence. Fit a bell or horn if your bicycle is not fitted with one.
________________________________________
Cycling Proficiency
In England and Wales, Bikeability is the national programme for bicycle training covering basic handling to navigating complex traffic conditions. Both children and adults can take part in a number of Bikeability accredited training schemes across the UK.
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