Safe cycling
Confident, safe cycling not only comes through experience, but from good basic training.
Top tips
These are our top tips for safe cycling
cycle at a steady pace, about one metre away from the kerb so that you can anticipate and respond to road situations easily. Riding too close to the kerb or parked cars puts you at more risk and encourages drivers to squeeze by
make eye contact with other road users at junctions and crossings: make sure that they've seen you
be predictable and confident on the road so that all road users are aware of you
be visible: wear bright, light coloured clothes and always use good lights and reflective gear at night
be heard: use your bell to let other road users and pedestrians know that you're approaching
never cycle on pavements or through red lights: it's against the law and gives cyclists a bad name
consider wearing a helmet
For handy tips on keeping your bike in good condition;
Cycle maintenance
Across Central Bedfordshire there are a number of cycle maintenance stands installed to help cyclists make minor repairs on the go. These are located in town centres, at leisure centres and along important cycle routes.
The units are equipped with a pump, a stand, and a number of tools.
The map shows the location of these maintenance stands.
Respecting other road users
Be aware of pedestrians and motorists around you at all times, particularly in busy city centre areas where a variety of road users come into contact with one another
Always be aware of pedestrians, particularly on shared cycle/pedestrian paths, and give them time to move out of the way
Don’t forget that older people, young children and disabled people may not see or hear you as you approach them on your bike
The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users. It explains the laws that cyclists must obey for everyone’s safety and offers further useful advice
Lighting up
Riding without lights, or without adequate lights, in dark conditions puts you and other road users at risk, as well as being against the law. Check out the weather details of sunrise and sunset times so that you know when to use your lights
Be safe around HGVs
Be safe around HGVs and buses: stay back behind longer vehicles when they are turning left, or move ahead in front of them, never alongside