Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as a method of transport for the daily commute. However, there are plenty of dangers associated with cycling on the road, especially with the sheer number of other road users using the roads during the rush hours. Cyclists aren't required to take a test before they can legally take to the road, nor are they required to have any knowledge of road safety. However, it is highly recommended that any cyclist should bare at least the basics of road safety in mind before taking to the road.
Making eye contact with other road users is vital. Communication with drivers can be extremely difficult with the noisy traffic, so eye contact is essential in making sure that the driver has acknowledged your position. In addition, you should make your attentions very clear to other road users. Make appropriate signals with your arms and hands well before you make a manoeuvre.
You should never be riding in the gutter. It is recommended that your riding position shouldn't be less than 1 metre form the kerb allowing enough room to avoid overtaking traffic if they choose to overtake too close to you. Also, close to the kerbs there are often drain covers and loose debris that can cause obstruction when cycling. Try to avoid any obstacles that could cause you to become unsteady, without swerving into the road.
Never try to undertake a lorry or large vehicle, as the driver will have a 'blind spot' whereby they cannot see you. As a result, they could unknowingly steer into your path and cause a collision. Similarly, you should always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front to make a sudden stop.
When passing a parked car, make sure there is enough space to avoid a door opening unexpectedly. Drivers and passengers alike can sometimes fail to see oncoming traffic and open the door, causing an accident. This can be very dangerous to a cyclist. You should never try to predict the movements of other road users, as this can have disastrous consequences if the prediction is incorrect.
Making eye contact with other road users is vital. Communication with drivers can be extremely difficult with the noisy traffic, so eye contact is essential in making sure that the driver has acknowledged your position. In addition, you should make your attentions very clear to other road users. Make appropriate signals with your arms and hands well before you make a manoeuvre.
You should never be riding in the gutter. It is recommended that your riding position shouldn't be less than 1 metre form the kerb allowing enough room to avoid overtaking traffic if they choose to overtake too close to you. Also, close to the kerbs there are often drain covers and loose debris that can cause obstruction when cycling. Try to avoid any obstacles that could cause you to become unsteady, without swerving into the road.
Never try to undertake a lorry or large vehicle, as the driver will have a 'blind spot' whereby they cannot see you. As a result, they could unknowingly steer into your path and cause a collision. Similarly, you should always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front to make a sudden stop.
When passing a parked car, make sure there is enough space to avoid a door opening unexpectedly. Drivers and passengers alike can sometimes fail to see oncoming traffic and open the door, causing an accident. This can be very dangerous to a cyclist. You should never try to predict the movements of other road users, as this can have disastrous consequences if the prediction is incorrect.
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