Cyclists account for 6% of all deaths on the Uk’s roads. Cyclists can help protect themselves by making sure they wear a helmet. Over 75% of cyclist fatalities involve serious head injuries. Although it is not law to wear a helmet on a bicycle we recommend it. Cyclists should also be wary of road junctions, take extra care when approaching. Statistics show three quarters of cycling accidents take place near a junction. If a cycle lane is available cyclists should use the cycling lane.

Things to keep in mind.

Make sure that your bike is roadworthy and do the proper checks before setting off.

Read the Highway Code and make sure that you know how to cycle safely.

Make eye contact with other road users, this way you can be sure they have seen you.

Wear reflective & fluorescence clothing at night.

Ensure that lights are fitted onto your bike for riding at night.

Signal clearly so road users can anticipate your movements.

Be wary of large vehicles such as lorrys, they may have large blind spots, and often pull to the opposite direction they are turning in order to make the turn.

DO NOT jump read lights or amber lights. You are putting your life in serious danger. a bicycle is a road vehicle just the same as a car.

DO NOT ride on the pavement, you can get fined and you could accidentally crash into a pedestrian causing injury.

Additional Cycling training courses can be found online through your local council.

Cycling as a Motorist.

How do you avoid accidents with bicycle users if you are driving a car or other vehicles?

Give cyclists as much room as you would any other road user

when overtaking make sure you are not too close to them.

If the road you are driving on has a cycle lane, pay attention and be sure to drive cautiously incase of bicycles.

Get into the habbit of checking your mirrors often, this way you can anticipate and take action.

do not forget to check your blind spot.

During bad weather such as icy roads or particularly slippery road surfaces, allow cyclists more room incase they become dismounted.

When turning left always check for bicycles first.

Check for bikes before opening your car door.