Road safety handbook: On wheels

In this section:

Go to Road safety handbook: On wheels
· ROLLERBLADING
· CYCLING IN THE DARK
· ON YOUR BIKE
· CYCLING
· PARKING YOUR CYCLE
· PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
· CYCLING NEAR ANIMALS
· CYCLING ROUTES AND CROSSINGS
· BE CAREFUL IF YOU USE A BUS LANE
· ROUNDABOUTS
· A FINAL WORD.

When rollerblading or skating, make sure you do so safely and without causing a nuisance to others.

Rollerblade only on the pavement, never on the road. Where possible use playgrounds, parks or special areas provided.
Avoid busy areas and always take care near other pedestrians, particularly young children and the elderly.
Look out for signs - rollerblading may be banned on certain pavements.
Use the Green Cross Code when crossing the road.

Remember: Respect other road users.

Wear fluorescent clothes in the day and reflective clothes in the dark. If you're out at night, make sure you're bright!
It is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure they are all clean and working!

Remember that if you have a dynamo on your bike your lights will go out when you stop.

Before starting off, turning right or left, overtaking, or stopping, you must look behind and make sure it is safe and then give a clear arm signal to show what you intend to do.
You must not ride on the pavement unless there are special signs allowing you to do so.
When you get on your cycle look all round for traffic. When it is safe to move off, cycle away.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars unless you are signalling or changing gears.
You must obey traffic light signals and road signs, and the signals made by police officers, traffic wardens or school crossing patrols.
You must not hold onto any vehicle or another cyclist.
You must not carry a passenger on your cycle unless it is specially designed to do so.
You should never lead an animal whilst cycling.
Watch out for traffic doing unexpected things.
When turning from one road into another, pedestrians who are cross.
If you want to turn right from a busy road, it is safer to stop on the left hand side before or after the junction and wait for a safe gap in the traffic before walking with your cycle across the road.
Only overtake when you are certain it is safe to do so. If you are overtaking parked vehicles, watch out for them starting off while you are doing so, and look out for car doors opening or pedestrians crossing near them. You should also look for traffic coming towards you.

Remember:

You should not wear a personal stereo while cycling or use a mobile phone.
If riding with others in busy or narrow roads, you should ride one behind the other.
Never ride your bike with more than two side by side!
Ride far enough from the edge of the road to avoid drains and gutters.

Before you set off:

Make sure your cycle is safe to ride - make sure your brakes and tyres are working well.
Always wear a cycle helmet - it will help to protect you if you have an accident.
Make sure that other road users can see you. Wear fluorescent materials in daylight and at dusk, and something reflective at night.
Riding a bike which is too big or too small can affect your balance.
Use your eyes and ears all the time.

Always park your cycle thoughtfully so that it is not in the way of other people. It is best to use a cycle rack if one has been provided.
Lock it to prevent it being stolen and have the frame marked with your postcode.

You must stop for pedestrians at Zebra crossings.
You must stop for the red light at traffic lights, including those at crossings.

Be careful when cycling near horses and other animals. Give them plenty of room as you go by.
Don't scare them by sounding your bell or horn, it could cause an accident.

Where available, always use routes away from busy roads. In some areas special cycle routes, paths and lanes are provided.
Remember to learn the signs for cycle paths.

Look after your bike and make sure it is safe.
Make sure you are dressed in the right clothes. Wear light clothes so others can easily see you, and pads and a helmet to protect yourself.
Make sure that you can always see and hear well. Don't listen to your MP3 player when riding!