Guide to Safe Cycling on Roads

• What are the essential clothing and equipment recommendations for cyclists?
• Cyclists should wear clothing that avoids entanglement with the cycle's moving parts and does not obscure lights. Light-colored or fluorescent clothing enhances visibility during the day and in poor light, while reflective clothing and/or accessories are beneficial in the dark. Wearing a properly sized, securely fastened cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations is recommended as evidence suggests it can reduce the risk of head injury. At night, cycles MUST be equipped with white front and red rear lights, a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors for cycles manufactured after 1/10/85). White front and spoke reflectors also improve visibility. While flashing lights are permitted, a steady front lamp is recommended in unlit areas.
• Where are cyclists permitted to ride, and what precautions should they take in shared spaces?
• Cyclists can use cycle lanes, tracks, advanced stop lines, and toucan crossings where they enhance safety and ease of travel. Cycle tracks are routes physically separated from motor traffic or located away from it. On shared-use cycle tracks with pedestrians, cyclists MUST keep to the designated cyclist side. In places shared with pedestrians, horse riders, or horse-drawn vehicles, cyclists should be cautious, slow down, allow ample room, and announce their presence (e.g., by ringing a bell or calling out). It is crucial not to pass closely or at high speed, especially from behind, and never pass a horse on its left. Cyclists MUST NOT cycle on a pavement. Bus lanes can generally be used by cyclists where indicated by signs, but care is needed when buses are present and when re-entering the main traffic flow.
• What are the general rules of conduct and safety while cycling?
• Cyclists should avoid actions that reduce control of their cycle. When riding in groups, be considerate of other road users; riding two abreast can be safer in larger groups or when accompanying less experienced riders, but be aware of drivers behind and allow them to overtake safely. Do not ride close behind other vehicles. Avoid carrying items that affect balance or could get tangled. Be considerate of other road users, particularly vulnerable pedestrians and horse riders, and let them know you are there. Cyclists MUST NOT carry a passenger unless the cycle is designed for it, hold onto a moving vehicle, ride dangerously, carelessly, or inconsiderately, or ride under the influence of drink or drugs.
• What are the key aspects of positioning and observation for cyclists on the road?
• Before moving off, overtaking, passing stationary vehicles, turning, or stopping, cyclists should look all around to ensure safety. Be vigilant for road obstructions like drains and potholes, positioning to allow safe avoidance. Leave enough space (a door's width or 1 metre) when passing parked vehicles to avoid opening doors and watch for pedestrians. Be aware of traffic approaching from behind and give clear signals for intended maneuvers. Take extra care near traffic calming features. When cycling on the road, only pass to the left of large, stationary, or slow-moving vehicles with caution, especially near junctions where they might change lanes.
• How should cyclists interact with traffic signs and signals?
• Cyclists MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals. At traffic light junctions and cycle-only crossings with traffic lights, cyclists MUST NOT cross the stop line when the lights are red. Some junctions have advanced stop lines; when the lights are red, cyclists may cross the first stop line but MUST NOT cross the final stop line.
• What are the recommended road positioning strategies for cyclists?
• When riding on roads, cyclists should adopt two basic positions depending on the situation. On quiet roads, in slower traffic, or approaching junctions/narrowings where overtaking is unsafe, ride in the centre of the lane to be clearly visible. If a faster vehicle approaches on a quiet road or traffic speeds up, move to the left safely to allow overtaking. On busy roads with faster traffic, allow overtaking where safe, keeping at least 0.5 metres (and further where safer) from the kerb.
• How should cyclists approach junctions and turning maneuvers?
• At junctions, especially those with traffic lights, use special cycle facilities where they improve safety. At junctions without specific cycle facilities, it is recommended to proceed as if driving a motor vehicle, positioning in the centre of the lane for visibility and to deter unsafe overtaking. If this feels unsafe, dismounting and wheeling the bike across is an option. When turning left, watch for vehicles turning ahead and check for other cyclists or motorcyclists before signalling; do not ride inside vehicles signalling or slowing to turn left. When turning right, check traffic, signal, move to the road's centre, wait for a safe gap, and look again before completing the turn. Waiting on the left for a gap or dismounting is also an option. When turning into or out of a side road, give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. At some signal-controlled junctions, two-stage right turns may be indicated.
• What precautions should cyclists take at roundabouts and when crossing the road?
• At roundabouts without cycle facilities, follow the procedures for motor vehicles. Be aware of vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout. When turning right, cyclists can ride in either the left or right-hand lane and move left near their exit, positioning in the lane centre and signalling right if not leaving the roundabout. Alternatively, walking the cycle on the pavement or verge is safer. If riding in the left lane, be aware drivers may not see you easily, take care crossing exits, signal right if not leaving, and watch for crossing vehicles. At roundabouts with separate cycle facilities, use them if they are safer and easier, though it is not obligatory. Give ample room to long vehicles as they require more space to manoeuvre. Do not ride across equestrian crossings, pelican, puffin, or zebra crossings; dismount and wheel your cycle across. Toucan crossings allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross together when the green signal is shown. Cycle track crossings also allow riding across when the green cycle symbol is displayed, but cyclists should be prepared to stop for pedestrians crossing informally. Take extra care at level crossings and tramways, and dismount at level crossings with a 'cyclist dismount' sign.