Road safety for cyclists

On all routes

Please be courteous! Always cycle with respect for others, whether other cyclists, pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, horse riders or drivers, and acknowledge those who give way to you.

On shared use paths

• give way to pedestrians, leaving them plenty of room
• keep to your side of any dividing line
• be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary
• do not expect to cycle at high speeds
• be careful at junctions, bends and entrances
• many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired - do not assume that people can see or hear you
• carry a bell and use it - do not surprise people
• give way where there are wheelchair users and horse riders

On roads

• always follow the Highway Code
• be seen - most accidents to cyclists happen at junctions
• fit lights and use them in poor visibility
• consider wearing a helmet and conspicuous clothing
• keep your bike roadworthy - visit London Cycling Campaign for maintenance information
• do not cycle on pavements except where designated - pavements are for pedestrians
• use your bell - not all pedestrians can see you

In the countryside

• follow the Countryside Code, which you can download below 
• respect other land management activities such as farming or forestry and take litter home
• keep erosion to a minimum if offroad
• be self-sufficient - in remote areas carry food, repair kit, map and waterproofs
• try to cycle or use public transport to travel to and from the start and finish of your ride
• cycle within your capabilities
• match your speed to the surface and your skills

Further information on safe cycling can be found on CycleGM.

This page was last updated on 30 March 2012