Whether you’re a regular leisure cyclist or looking to get on your bike for the first time in 20 years, this guide contains some top tips to help you start cycling on the road with confidence!
Get out of the gutter!
When cycling on the road, choosing the right position can help you stay visible and give other road users a better understanding of your movements.
You may hear cyclists refer to two positions: the primary position, where you ride in the centre of your lane, and the secondary position, where you ride further to the left.
The Highway Code recommends riding in the centre of your lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and when approaching junctions or narrow sections where overtaking would be unsafe.
On busier roads, where vehicles are travelling faster than you, you should allow drivers to overtake where it is safe to do so, while keeping at least 0.5 metres from the kerb, and further away where necessary.
Remember, you don’t have to ride close to the kerb or put yourself at risk to let other vehicles pass. Choose a position that gives you enough space to ride safely and be seen.
Make your intentions clear
Help other road users understand what you’re planning to do by making your intentions clear.
Before turning, changing position or moving around an obstruction, check behind you and give a clear hand signal where appropriate. Make sure it’s safe before carrying out your manoeuvre.
If you’re not confident looking behind or signalling while cycling, practise somewhere quiet and away from traffic until you feel comfortable.
Stay out of the ‘door zone’
Unfortunately, not a lot of people look properly before opening their car door. When approaching a parked car, check behind you to make sure it’s safe then move out by at least a door’s width, just in case someone does open their door into your path.
Check out Cycling UK’s video on the Dutch Reach, something you can encourage others to do reduce the risk of hitting a cyclist with their car door.
Be aware of what’s around you
Knowing what’s around you, including what’s behind you means you can make informed decisions to keep yourself safe while being courteous to other road users. Keep an eye out for rough surfaces, drain covers, road humps, potholes and puddles (which can hide potholes) that might be coming up ahead of you. You can anticipate any potential problems and avoid making sudden movements that might put you at risk.
Cyclists Highway Code
For more advice on cycling safely on the road, take a look at the Highway Code’s rules for cyclists.