Cyclists
A safe cyclist is a thinking cyclist, who rides a safe, well
maintained bike.
Bedford Borough Council is committed to improving
facilities for cyclists and encouraging the use of cycles by new
riders. Riding a bike is a great way to move around with the
added benefit of gentle exercise. Cycling helps you keep young, can
save money and time.
Bicycles are vehicles not
toys
When ridden on the road a bike is deemed a
vehicle and every cyclist a road user. Therefore
cyclists riding upon the highways shall be subject to the same
rules as all other road users. In fact, the ‘Highway Code’ states:
Rules for cyclists are in addition to those which apply to all
vehicles
Same Roads. Same
Rights.
Same Rules. So Bikes Belong
So ride like it. But with rights
come responsibilities. Obey all laws, signs and signals. Two wheels
or four, the law is the law! And it’s a lot safer following
traffic rules than not.
NB Its illegal to ride a cycle on the pavement. You can be
fined up to £500
Injuries can occur because you and
your bike are not properly equipped.
Ensure the bike is a correct fit for you (the
saddle and handlebars are adjusted to the correct
height). Make sure it is in proper working order and
that you are competent with all operating controls. Keep tyres
pumped up to avoid punctures. It helps to have a basic
knowledge of how to adjust brakes and gears.
Be Visible at Night.
Use front and rear lights in the morning and
at night.
Reflectors alone are not sufficient
Be Seen During Daylight.
Bright clothing catches people’s attention
during daylight, but the best way to be seen is to be in the
driver’s line of sight. Ride as if you are HUGE.
Use Protective Clothing and
Gear.
A helmet protects an irreparable part of your
body. Wear fluorescent materials by day and at dusk, and
reflective clothing at night.
Defensive Cycling
Riding defensively is just
that. Consider all other road users a danger. Rely
on your own judgement, always avoid riding to the abilities of
other cyclists, make a habit of always looking over your right
shoulder (a defensive rider will always know where all the traffic
is in his/her vicinity).
Make eye contact with motorists when possible,
always signal your intentions clearly, giving plenty of time
for other road users to react.
For all vehicles slow traffic keeps to the
left, but this does not mean cyclist should teeter on the edge.
Hugging the curb encourages motorists to try to squeeze by.
Riding closer to the motor traffic may seem counterintuitive
(without reason), but it asserts your right to be there.
When approaching junctions be wary of
motorists who might turn left across you. Be aware that
motorists often misjudge the speed of cyclists and may change lanes
and manoeuvre without signalling.
Watch out for doors opening from parked
cars and be aware of vehicles pulling out of side
roads.
The council has devoted a lot of
resources building cycle ways. Always use them if they are
available
Dealing with Stroppy Road
Users
Should you find yourself the victim of other
people’s bitterness, ignorance, small mindedness or insecurity,
remember, things could be worse. You could be one of
them! The best course of action when you’re harassed
is to first take a deep breath and calmly decide whether your
actions were actually misread or your perceptions could have
misled. Drivers may inadvertently do something that appears
threatening and purposeful, but is simply a lack of awareness.
Road Risk Advisory Team
(01234) 228336
Email road.safety@bedford.gov.uk