After the terrible accident involving The Times reporter Mary Bowers, cycling safety and motoring awareness has become a big deal in 2012. With recent statistics released by the DfT suggesting that deaths and serious injuries to cyclists have increased by 8% year on year we take a look at what you can do as both a cyclist and a motorist to insure you're safe on the road...
After the terrible accident involving The Times reporter Mary Bowers, cycling safety and motoring awareness has become a big deal in 2012. With recent statis... more
1
Know Your Highway Code
For both cyclists and motorists it is essential that you know and are well versed in the highway code. Motorists have to know the highway code in order to pass their written and practical driving tests, and cyclist need to know all the rules of the road as well.
2
Overtake with Care
The highway code states that motorists should overtake cyclists in the same manner as they would horses, motorbikes or other cars on the road. Always give cyclists as much room as possible when overtaking.
3
Be Decisive and Positive
When riding on the road make sure that your moves are positive and decisive. At junctions make eye contact with other road users and ensure that you are not hesitant in your manoeuvres.
4
Wear a Helmet
Under UK legislation it is currently not mandatory to wear a helmet whilst cycling on the road. However, research suggests that BS (British Standard) helmets 85-88% effective at mitigating head & brain injuries. Though it is not the law all cyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet at all times to ensure their safety.
5
Make Sure You Have Road Insurance
At present cyclists do need to have road or personal liability insurance, where as all drivers are required by law to carry adequate motor insurance. However, a number of high profile cases have recently highlighted the need for seperate cycle insurance and the Government may well being in measures to deal with this
6
Wear the Proper Clothing
As well as wearing helmets, cyclists are also advised to wear correct clothing when out on the road. To help make motorists aware of you wear light, colourful or reflective clothing. If you ride at night all cyclists are advised to wear reflective clothing, strips or accessories.
7
Ride Well Clear of the Kerbs
The UK Goverment states that cyclists should ride at least 1 metre away from the kerb or in the centre of the left lane. When riding be careful of drain and manhole covers, especially when wet as the slippery surface can make it dangerous for cyclists.
8
Bikes Must Carry Lights and Reflectors at Night
Under UK legislation it is compulsory for bikes to carry lights and reflectors if you ride at night. The law states that bikes must have a white front light, a rear red light, a rear red reflector and yellow/amber pedal reflectors. If you use a flashing light ensure that the light flashes at a rate of one to four flashes per second.
9
Ensure that You Give Parked Cars a Wide Berth
Having been a victim of a suddenly flung open car door whilst cycling past I can assure you that hitting a car door and going head over the handlebars into the road is no fun. If you are cycling in a inner city ensure that you give all parked cars a wide berth.
10
Be Safe & Ride/Drive Sensibly
Whether you're a cyclist or a motorist ensure that you true all road user with due care, attention and respect. Dont drive dangerously and stay focused at all times.
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