Be Safe Be Seen

 Cycling is a safe mode of transport. Accidents are rare but of course there's no harm in making sure you're clued up about how to stay cycle safe.
 
Riding your bike without lights when it's dark could make you liable to a £30 fine from the police.  It also means pedestrians, other cyclists and drivers can't see you.  This is a danger to both them and you.  So please ride with lights.  For a lot less than the £30 fine, you could buy a quality set of bike lights for the front and rear of your bike. 
 
 

Be Safe

  • MagsRide assertively - claim your road space!. Ride in a way that demands others give due recognition to your right to use the public road - this means don't ride too close to the kerb

  • Ensure that you clearly indicate your intentions to other road users and avoid putting yourself into a position where a mistake by others might put you at risk.

  • Follow the Highway Code (see link below)

  • Practice - the more often you ride the more safe you're likely to be. If you need help or advice please visit our training pages
     
  • Position yourself so as to maximise your chances of being seen by other vehicle drivers.

  • Making eye contact with drivers (eg if they are awaiting to pull cross your path) helps to ensure that they register your presence.

  • Watch out for parked cars, gutters, pedestrians and large vehicles

  • Ensure that your clothing is not trailing and don't carry bags on the handlebars

  • Ensure that your bike is well maintained (see basic bike maintenance page) 
 
 

Be Seen

A regular cyclist is going to find themselves cycling at night or at least in conditions with low light. There are some simple but important steps to ensure that you are both safe and within the law.

  • The law states that you must have at least two lights attached to your bike – a white light at the front and a red light at the rear.

  • In addition you must have an efficient red reflector at the rear. Reflectors are important so make sure that you have a white reflector on the front and have them fitted to your pedals etc. And make sure that they're clean!

  • Wear something fluorescent/bright to ensure you are seen during the day and reflective at night. There's a whole range of accessories out there from fluorescent jackets to Sam Browne belts (strips that go around you middle and over your shoulder).

  • Make yourself more visible by sticking reflective material/patches to your bag, helmet etc.
 

Tales of the Road

The Department for Transport has launched a national campaign to encourage children to wear high visibility clothing, whether they be walking or cycling. More can be found at Tales of The Road with the opportunity to win a bike.  BMX World Champion Shanaze Reade is also backing the campaign to ensure children ride safely during the winter months.