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Its no Joke

Cycling is a fun, convenient and healthy way to get around - but if you don't follow basic safety guidelines the results could be very unfunny.

In 2001 nearly 3000 cyclists between 12 - 16 were killed or injured on the roads. If you want to protect yourself you must take cycle safety seriously.

Its no laughing Matter

Get yourself a helmet.

No joking - in a study of admissions to an A&E Department nearly 50% of injuries suffered by cyclists were to the head and face (Simpson).

Helmets help to reduce the numbers of these injuries, and their seriousness. Most cycle injuries are suffered by teenagers or young adults - and many of them were not wearing a helmet because they felt it made them look uncool.

Hitting your head if you aren't wearing a helmet could be really bad news.

We are not messing around

Before you go out on the roads, stop and think. Here are a few basic safety tips that can help you stay out of trouble:

1. Get trained and keep control
2. Wear a helmet (how to wear a helmet?)
3. Be seen and heard
4. Check your bike (take the 10 second bike check)
5. Be alert and plan your route
6. Stay legal

 

Training
It makes sense to learn good cycling skills from someone who's already experienced - it's less painful than learning from your own mistakes! An experienced trainer can help you get the best from your bike and from the road. They know the dangers and how best to avoid them. They can also help you become safer and more confident when cycling in traffic, what's the best gear to wear, and how to check and maintain your bike.

To find out if cycle training courses are provided in your area, ask the Road Safety Officer in your local council for details, or ask in your school.

Protection

If you like your face and head the way it is, then wear a helmet! There's a wide choice of cool styles to choose from, but make sure it meets the British (BS 6863 or BS EN 1078) American (ANSI Z90.4 or SNELL) or Australian (AS 2063) National Standards.

To make sure your helmet fits properly follow these simple guidelines:

• It should not obstruct your ability to see clearly or cover your ears.
• It must be a snug fit and should remain secure on the head.
• It needs to be positioned squarely on the head, sitting just above the eyebrows and NOT tilted back or tipped forwards.
• The straps should be securely fastened and not twisted, with only enough room for two fingers to be inserted between chin and strap.

Visibility

If you can't be seen then you are asking for trouble! This is not just common sense, but the law. At night you must show a white front light and a red rear one, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. Remember that if your bike has a dynamo your lights will go out when you stop.

A white front reflector and wheel reflectors are not required by law, but increase your chances of being seen. Wear reflective materials at night and fluorescent materials in the day - clothing made of both is best. Realise that you are much harder to see than a vehicle, so help drivers to avoid you by taking all these precautions.

It is also a good idea to fit a bell to your bike which will also help you warn others of your approach.

Maintenance
Before you go out on your bike it makes sense to check everything is still in good working order. Always take the time to make sure your brakes and lights are working properly. Also wipe your reflectors clean.

Regularly check your tyres for wear, and make sure they have sufficient air in them. Also inspect your chain to be certain it is adjusted correctly, and is properly lubricated. If you get on someone else's bike be sure to check these same things. Never ride a bike that's too large or small for you as it will be difficult to control.

Maintain your bike regularly. If you are not sure what to do, get an adult to help you or use a local bike shop. Look out for Dr. Bike clinics during Bike Week in June which offer free bike checks.

Awareness

If you want to stay out of trouble keep your wits about you. Before you set out plan the safest route - get a local cycling map and make full use of available cycle routes both on and off the road. You can also use most bus lanes - when the lane is closed to cyclist there will be a sign to warn you.

Before starting off, turning, overtaking or stopping, make sure you look to the sides and behind you, to see what's happening. Always give clear hand signals to show what you intend to do. Also look ahead for obstructions such as drains and potholes, so you don't have to swerve suddenly to avoid them.

Never wear a personal stereo or use a mobile phone when cycling. If you're cycling with friends, concentrate on the road - save conversation for later.

Road Rules

Rules are there to protect you, and others. Just because you are on a bike doesn't mean you can ignore traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, one-way streets and other road signs! You also have to obey Police Officers, Traffic Wardens and School Crossing Patrols.

You must not ride on pavements or footpaths, unless there are signs permitting this. Similarly you can only use bus lanes where you see the symbol of a bicycle displayed. Where there are cycle lanes and cycle tracks provided make use of them.

Never ride with more than two of you side by side, and on narrow roads ride single file.

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