Cycle safety tips
Safety on the roads is a key concern for many cyclists, particularly for parents of younger children.
York has always been a safe place to cycle, with ever increasing numbers of cyclists in the city meaning that other road users are much more aware of their presence.
Confident, safe cycling not only comes through experience but from good basic training. We offer personalised one-to-one Urban Cycling sessions suitable for all ages and abilities, whether you are a complete novice or just need a refresher.
Top tips for safe cycling
Cycle at a steady pace about 1 metre away from the kerb, so that you can anticipate and respond to road situations easily. This is called the secondary position. Riding too close to the kerb or parked cars puts yourself at more risk, and encourages drivers to squeeze by.
Experienced cyclists often take what is called the primary position, placing themselves further out, directly in front of traffic, where road conditions dictate that drivers can't overtake them safely.
When cycling, you should:
- make eye contact with other road users at junctions and crossings: make sure that they've seen you
- be predictable and confident on the road, so that all road users are aware of you
- be visible - wear bright, light coloured clothes and always use good lights and reflective gear at night
- be heard - use your bell to let other road users and pedestrians know that you're approaching
- never cycle on pavements or through red lights, it's against the law and gives cyclists a bad name
- consider wearing a helmet - whilst it's not a legal requirement, the Highway Code states that you should wear a cycle helmet that conforms to current regulation, is the correct size and securely fastened
Respect other road users
Always be aware of pedestrians, particularly on shared cycle and pedestrian paths, and give them time to move out of the way.
Don’t forget that older people, young children and disabled people might not see or hear you as you approach them on your bike.
The Highway Code, is essential reading for all road users. It explains the laws that cyclists must obey for everyone’s safety, and offers further useful advice.
Be bright, be seen
Riding without lights, or without adequate lights, in dark conditions puts yourself and other road users at risk, as well as being against the law.
The Highway Code suggests that light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can help other road users to see you in daylight and poor light, while reflective clothing and accessories can increase your visibility in the dark.
Safety around HGVs
Be safe around HGVs and buses.
Stay back behind longer vehicles when they are turning left, or move ahead in front of them, never alongside.