Drive safe, cycle safe

Cyclists and drivers both have a right to use our roads - but sometimes you need to give a bit more thought to each other.

Dos and don'ts for cyclists:

• be visible, accident data indicates that cyclists are more likely to be involved in an accident during daylight hours
• wear bright, preferably fluorescent and reflective clothing, yellow and red are a good choice
• use lights when it begins to get dark or in poor weather conditions
• show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn
• ride in a straight line past parked cars rather than dodging between them
• don't jump red lights
• don't ride on pavements
• don't ride the wrong way up one-way streets, unless there's a sign saying cyclists can
• don't ride across pedestrian crossings

Dos and don'ts for motorists:

• expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces
• watch for cyclists on the inside when you turn left
• always look for cyclists before opening a car door
• give cyclists turning right extra consideration
• don't squeeze past cyclists - give them space, at least half a car's width
• don't dazzle cyclists - use dipped headlights, the way you would with another car
• don't get annoyed when cyclists ride away from the kerb - they need to avoid drains and potholes, and be seen as they come to junctions with side roads

Highway code advice

Before you set off:

• ensure that your bike is safe to ride - before you ride check that your bike is in working order, pay particular attention to your tyres, lights, and brakes
• wear bright clothing with reflective material
• wear a cycle helmet that complies with safety standards. The cycle helmet should fit comfortably and sit level across your forehead without obscuring your view
• get a bell and use it to warn others of your presence
• carry a toolkit and spare inner tubes
• plan your journey to ensure that it is safe and enjoyable. Cycle Guides are available from Plymouth City Council - contact 307730

On your journey:

• follow the advice to cyclists in the Highway Code
• take more care when negotiating junctions and roundabouts - if in doubt get off and walk
• do not cycle where you see a 'No Cycling' sign
• do not wear ear phones, you need your ears as well as your eyes to cycle safely
• always ride in single file on narrow lanes or roads and never ride more than two abreast on wider roads
• remember to use your lights after dark or in bad weather
• be on the lookout for possible hazards ahead, and be ready to deal with them
• be aware what other traffic is doing and be ready to take action if needed
• you must obey traffic lights and road signs and the signals made by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols
• if you are carry shopping or books to school use proper panniers or use a rucksack, do not overload, more importantly do not hang bags from the handlebars as this will cause you to become unbalanced and you could lose control

Bicycle security

There are some simple things that you can do to deter opportunist thieves from stealing your bike:

• where possible always lock your bike in a cycle cabinet or lock your bike to a solid object such as a cycle hoop, lamppost or railing
• if you have quick release wheels, remove the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel
• remove detachable items eg pump and lights, when you leave the bike
• mark your frame with your postcode
• place a security marked sticker on the frame of your bike to show that the bike is marked
• never leave your bike unlocked, buy a bike lock, the best one is a solid D-shaped shackle lock (a d-lock)
• ensure you have adequate insurance cover for your bike

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