West Sussex County Council: Cycle safety tips

Simple but important tips for safer cycling:

• Observation - Be aware of your surroundings, look and listen. Always give clear signals for your safety and for that of others.
• Brakes - Do they work? Check for worn brake blocks or badly adjusted cables.
• Helmet - Always wear a correctly fitted and British Standard approved helmet. A helmet will not stop you having an accident but it could reduce the chance of a serious head injury.
• Lights - Fit lights and ensure that they work if you intend to ride after lighting up time. It is against the law to ride at any time without a red rear reflector. Remember to clean reflectors and lenses.
• Tyres - Check that they are fully inflated and that the tread is still good.
• Equipment - Are accessories such as pumps, mudguards and saddlebags properly secured to the bike?
• Be seen - Wear something that is light coloured, reflective or fluorescent to be seen by other road users.
• Plan the route - Where possible choose a route that you can cope with and wherever possible avoid busy roads and junctions. Use cycle routes and bike lanes but be aware of pedestrians, especially the elderly and the very young.
• Get Trained - Each year hundreds of children are successfully trained in free courses in schools across West Sussex. Our instructors are a hard working team dedicated to improving the skills and safety of young cyclists in the county.

A bicycle ceases to be a toy when it is used on the road. It is a vehicle and should be maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times.

Owning and using your bicycle can open up a range of potential leisure activities. Even if travel is limited to going to and from work or school then the benefits of exercise and fresh air will improve health and fitness. Cycling also reduces congestion and is good for the environment.