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Cycling Tips

• Ride assertively – cycle well out from the kerb so that you are visible to motorists who will appreciate knowing that you know what you’re doing - they will also not be encouraged to overtake too close.
• Be aware - watch out for car doors opening and make eye contact with drivers waiting to pull out.
• Don’t overtake lorries or buses on the left at junctions as they have a blind spot and you may get squashed.
• Master the art of the backward look – practice looking back over your right shoulder so you can
• turn right or overtake without wobbling.

Dos and Don’ts

• Be considerate to pedestrians - they should be given priority on shared paths, so slow down and use your bell. Riding aggressively gives all cyclists a bad name.
• Don’t cycle on the pavement - unless there are blue signs indicating that they are designated cycle routes.
• Use lights at night - reflective clothing is also a good idea.
• Follow the city centre one-way system - inconsiderate cycling through the city center may cause the cycle ban to be re-instated.

Other safety issues you need to think about 

Brakes - do they work?

Look out for worn brake blocks or badly adjusted brakes.

Tyres

Are they inflated with good tread? Look out for bald patches.

Reflectors & Lights

Are they fitted and working? It is against the law to ride a bike on the road without a rear reflector! Remember to keep them clean - ‘A dirty reflector is not a protector!’

Cycle Helmets

Cyclists can be vulnerable road users. Wearing a cycle helmet will not stop you having an accident, but it will reduce the risk of a serious head injury by 85%.

Be safe, be seen

Wear something that is both reflective (night time) and fluorescent (daytime) so that you can be seen easily at all times.

Get trained

Each year, thousands of children are trained successfully in Cambridgeshire County Council’s Safer Cycling Scheme. Our instructors are an army of hard working volunteers, committed to improving the skills and awareness of young cyclists across the County.