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The definitive guide to safer cycling is a four part series that offers crucial information on important cycling safety statistics as well as helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe whilst cycling at night, during the winter and in any other less-than-ideal situation written by Michael Morris.

Part 4 offers tips and advice for adjusting our cycling for the different conditions you can encounter.

Cycling can take you on all kinds of roads, at all times of the year and in a range of weather conditions. For this reason, it is great to know the best practice cycling tips for the conditions you could encounter.

Rush hour and city cycling

Cycling in busy cities is becoming more and more popular as a means of avoiding the build-up in congestion and traffic at rush hour. London is a great example for just this, where thousands of cyclists take to the streets at all times of the day.

So when cycling in the city it’s important to know the ins and outs of keeping safe and within the law.

In line with the law, cyclists should stop at all red lights and avoid riding through them. If you are caught cycling through a red light you will be fined £50. Although it is extremely tempting it is an offence and dangerous.

In terms of safety:

• Position your bike centrally on narrow roads which prevents you from swerving to avoid drains and ensures that motorists won’t risk overtaking and putting you in danger
• Keep a car width distance between yourself and parked cars, giving you the room to react if a door is opened unexpectedly.
• Stay far back from large lorries and HGVs because the chance of the drivers not being able to see you is high and could result in them turning into your bike
• Always were bright or reflective clothing
• Signal before turning left or right and ensure to check behind before completing the manoeuvre

Mandatory cycle lanes

These lanes are marked with a continuous white line and it is illegal for any vehicle to enter this area either when driving or parking.

Advisory cycle lanes

These work in a similar way to mandatory lanes but with a broken white line which means motorists shouldn’t enter the lanes unless it’s unavoidable.

Contra-flow cycle lanes

These lanes help cyclists navigate one-way zones. They act in the same manner as mandatory lanes for motorists.

Shared bus & cycle lanes

These lanes allow buses and bikes to share a designated lane. Other road users are not allowed into these areas.

Night Cycling

Always have your lights with you

If you don’t have lights fixed to your bike you should ensure that you carry them at all times. The weather is always interchangeable and as a cyclist, you should be prepared.

Carry back-up lights

Lights do run out of battery so prepare for the worst and have back-ups ready for an unexpected hiccup in your trip.

Maintain a safe speed

Always maintain a safe speed is important when you are flying down hills in the dark so that you have plenty of time to brake and take evasive action accordingly.

Plan your route beforehand

Before taking a route in the dark it is advised to test it out in the day so you are prepared and alert.

Don’t ride alongside the kerb

At night staying a metre from the side of the road is a great way for drivers to see you.

Winter Cycling

Prepare sufficiently

It becomes important to prepare your route beforehand especially in treacherous conditions where you are more likely to have an accident.

Alter your cycling based on condition

You should alter the way you cycle based on the conditions you face, this means slowing down on wet roads and in icy conditions.

Maintain your visibility

Even during the day, you should ensure that you are as visible as possible to other vehicles because snow and rain can obstruct the view of drivers.

Seven tips for safer cycling in all conditions

1. Practice and home your skills
2. Stop cycling against the kerb
3. Make eye contact
4. Signal with intent
5. Use the correct lane
6. Always keep to the rules of the road
7. Overtake on the correct side

Read the full Adjust your Cycling in the UK.

The definitive guide to safer cycling is a four part series that offers crucial information on important cycling safety statistics as well as helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe whilst cycling at night, during the winter and in any other less-than-ideal situation written by Michael Morris.

Part 3 offers information and advice on cycling safety clothing and equipment.

People cycle for a multitude of reasons; whether that is for travelling to work or school, nipping to the shops or even for leisure and fitness. 

No matter the reason for cycling it is always imperative to follow a number of safety procedures to ensure that you’re not the next casualty. 

Always wear an appropriate helmet

A cycling helmet is one of the most important safety features you can invest in and will help to protect your head in the event of a fall or collision. 

A couple of key tips when buying a helmet are:

• The helmet should fit properly on your heard, ideally sitting squarely above your eyebrows and not tilted in any way
• The straps should be well fastened, you can test this by making sure only two fingers can fit between strap and chin

In terms of safety, it is worth replacing your cycle helmet every five years and ill-advised to buy a second hand or damaged helmet. 

Setting your bike up

With poor light, it’s important to ensure your bike is fitted with a light that you can switch on. Having reflectors fitted to the bike is also a great idea as these will light up by oncoming vehicle’s headlights. 

As guidance:

• A white light should be fitted to the front
• A red light should be fitted to the back
• A red reflector should also be fitted to the rear

Wear correct clothing for cycling

When cycling it’s ideal to wear reflective clothing that can easily be seen no matter the time of day. 

Your clothing should also be cycle friendly – so they’re not going to get caught up in the chain or wheels and risk an accident. 

Read the full guide to Cycling Safety Clothing and Equipment in the UK.

Are you looking to buy your first bike or add another to your growing collection?

Ride it away cycling finance makes buying that new bike instantly affordable.

Key information about finance:

• Finance may be available on any and all products including bikes, accessories and clothing with every retailer offering different products on finance
• Finance is typically available on products with a minimum purchase of £250 and a maximum purchase of £15,000

Ride it away retail finance is available at hundreds of retailers across the UK. If you are interested in a certain brand or product, search for a keyword or brand on the Find a retailer page. Find your local dealer and apply for finance.

If you’re interested in figuring out how much you can afford to borrow use the Finance Calculator.

If you have any more questions on Ride it away cycle finance visit the FAQ.

The definitive guide to safer cycling is a four part series that offers crucial information on important cycling safety statistics as well as helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe whilst cycling at night, during the winter and in any other less-than-ideal situation written by Michael Morris.

Part 2 offers tips for safer cycling including 6 ways to avoid road collisions.

A great way to making sure you can better protect yourself is by:

• Keeping up-to-date with the Highway Code and how it particularly applies to cyclists
• You should always be alert when cycling, not taking anything for granted
• Display your intentions early by signalling and always look and double check before stopping, turning or riding off from start
• Avoid cycling too close to parked cars, there is the risk of the driver opening the door without looking
• Never cycle on the path as this could result in a £30 fine
• When cycling on joint cyclist and pedestrian paths announce to people when you are approaching

Six ways to avoid road collisions

Many cyclists already follow the above advice, they are intended as general guidance, but here are six practices that any cyclist should implement when cycling to make sure they are safe.

Keep away from busy streets

Cyclists can often make the mistake of sticking to the same roads they would when driving. Although this makes sense because you are familiar with the route, those roads are the same roads that all motorists take and therefore there are more vehicles to contend with and a greater risk of being caught up in a collision.

Remember to use your lights

Cyclists should have lights fixed to their bike, especially when travelling in the early morning or late at night. It is shocking how hard it is to see a cyclist when sitting or driving a vehicle so why would you take the risk of cycling at night without lights?

Don’t be afraid to use the whole lane

Staying to the left of the road is normally a wise decision, however, there are certain times when being greedy on the road can keep you safe.

Occasions include:

• To stop vehicles overtaking on narrow roads
• To avoid being hit by the opening of a car door
• In slow moving traffic, so you’re easily visible to all
• Always signal your intentions

Signalling your turns is very crucial when cycling in case a car is approaching and tries to overtake as you are turning. When cycling make sure to signal early so vehicles around you are aware of your movements.

Ditch the music and mobiles

It is advised to avoid wearing headphones and keep your mobile phone away at all times to ensure that you are not distracted in the slightest.

Cycles as if you’re invisible

This is not to say wear plain clothes or fail to signal appropriately. This is designed to ensure a motorist doesn’t hit you, even if they don’t see you. By staying out of the way on fast roads you’re more likely to keep safe.

Read the full Tips for Bike Safety in the UK.

The definitive guide to safer cycling is a four part series that offers crucial information on important cycling safety statistics as well as helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe whilst cycling at night, during the winter and in any other less-than-ideal situation written by Michael Morris.

Part 1 tackles bike safety in the UK exploring cycling casualties and fatalities, types of cycling accidents and common injuries.

Cycling casualties and fatalities

• Serious accidents occur mostly in urban areas
• 50% of fatalities are on rural roads where the speed limit is higher
• Road junctions are responsible for 75% of incidents
• Male cyclists make up 80% of collisions
• Head injuries account for up to 75% of major injuries

Types of Cycling Accidents

• Some contributory reasons for serious injuries in road collisions include:
• Cycling entering the road from the pavement (20%)
• A poor turn or manoeuvre (17%)
• Careless and reckless cycling (17%)

Common Cycling Injuries

• Drivers emerging from a side road into the path of a cyclist
• Drivers turning across the natural path of the cyclist
• Cyclists riding into the path of a vehicle, particularly when entering the road from a path
• Cyclists turning right on either a major or minor road
• Children playing on their bikes or riding carelessly

Read the full Introduction to Bike Safety in the UK.

If you are up for a challenging multi-day cycle route adventure or are simply looking for that leisurely bike ride for the whole family, there are a multitude of routes that make up the National Cycle Network just for you.

If multi-day bike rides are what you are interested in, then look no further.

Hadrian’s Cycleway

With 174 miles of England’s countryside, Roman forts, museums and attractive market towns this is a challenging adventure but one will impressive views.

Bath to Bournemouth

This route begins in Bath passing through the UK’s longest cycle and walking tunnel at Combe Down. IF you are looking for a cycle trip that will take you along the Bournemouth beaches and stunning views of the Isle of Wight then look no further.

Oban to Campbeltown

Get your chance to explore the spectacular Scottish scenery with a physically demanding challenging hill climbing cycle route.

Are you interested in spring day rides?

Chew Valley Loop

This route takes you out of the busy streets of Bristol and into the Somerset countryside.

London’s Docklands and Lea Valley

You can escape the bustling city and cycle from Greenwich Maritime World Heritage site to Lea Valley cycling along Regent’s Canal towpath, a tranquil waterway in the heart of London.

Are you looking for an adventure that you can take with your family?

Comber Greenway, Northern Ireland

This seven-mile traffic free route follows the old disused railway from Belfast to Comber.

The Clay Trails, Cornwall

These trails consist of multiple routes so you have the freedom to go whatever distance you’d like.

Find out more about all the route that the National Cycle Network offers here.

A recent review of the entire National Cycle Network, all 16,575 miles, identified 50 activation projects that Sustrans will focus on fixing and upgrading that are key to improving the entire Network.

Sustrans’ vision is to make all the Network traffic-free or quiet-ways and therefore suitable for people of all abilities.

If you are interested in reading more about the National Cycle Network and the 50 activation projects to achieving Paths for everyone click here.

50% of all bike owners have had a bike stolen.

This accounts for 2% of all reported crimes.

Bicycles are some of the easiest vehicles for thieves to target.

So why not protect yourself from becoming a victim and follow these simple steps:

• Get a good bike lock
• Lock your bike to something secure, even if only for a few minutes and avoid isolated places – leave you bike where a potential thief can be seen
• Lock up removable parts (your wheels) and take light fittings with you
• Have your bike’s frame security-marked or engraved
• Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features
• At home, keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked

Click here to access the full graphic for bicycle theft in the UK in 2019.

The roads are getting busier and busier with cyclists now that spring has come out to play and the sun is shining more.

But how is your bike doing, having been in the shed over the winter?

Is your bike looking a little dirty perhaps, in some need of some TLC or even some maintenance or repairs?

Why not scrub your hub?

Step one and a quick helpful tip for a bike that has been in the shed all winter is to simply give it a wash.

Grab a bucket of warm soapy water and dry your bike off with a clean cloth removing as much of the water as possible.

Maintain your mechanisms

Step two: lube up your bike.

There is plenty of advice on how to limber up your ride properly but you can always just visit your local bike shop for any further advice.

Tend to your tyres

Step three: check your tyres.

Just pinch your tyre with your thumb and forefinger to assess whether it needs topping up. You tyre should be firm but with a little give as over-inflating tyres can be just as bad for your bike as not having enough pressure.

Shake, rattle and get ready to roll

Step four: give all the moving parts on your bike a once over to make sure they are secure before you jump back onto your bike and take it to the streets.

Brakes at the ready

Step five: test your brakes to make sure they’re not worn.

Check your headset

Finally, step six: check your headset (the part that your forks and stem slot into at the front of the bike) and your crank (the part your pedals are attached to).

These are just a few simple steps to make sure your ride is safe and ready for those summer days that are fast approaching.

The Women’s Festival of Cycling, organised and spearheaded by Cycling UK, takes place throughout the UK in July.

Cycling UK calls on everybody, from cycling groups to clubs to individuals to register women-only rides as inspiration for women to cycle.

Even today, women are often underrepresented in the cycling industry and therefore women need the encouragement to start and continue cycling in a female-friendly environment supported by the cycles industry.

During the Women’s Festival of Cycling, Cycling UK will be highlighting exceptional women who promote and encourage others to take part.

You can nominate your female role models this year and celebrate 100 Women in cycling. If you’d like to nominate someone click here!

The Women’s Festival of Cycling event will include cycle rides and events all across the country. You can join the celebration and put on an even in July!

Find out how to do this here!

If you’re in the mood for some inspiration then, why not find out what happened last year!