Cycle safety tips

Simple but important tips for safer cycling

• Observation - Be aware of your surroundings; look and listen for other traffic. Give clear signals where necessary for your safety and 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 front and rear lights and ensure that they work if you intend to ride after lighting up time. At night your cycle must have front and rear lights lit and be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1 October 1985). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you be seen. Remember to check the batteries in your lights regularly.
  
  
• Tyres - Check that they are fully inflated and have no worn or bald patches.
  
  
• 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 your route – Before setting out on your bike, think about the route and where possible choose a route that you can cope with. Use cycle routes and lanes where you can, but be aware of pedestrians, especially the elderly and the very young. For help with route planning please use the West Sussex Cycle Journey Planner.
  
  
• Get trained – Our teams of nationally accredited cycle instructors train in excess of 8,500 children each year in courses at schools and in the holidays across West Sussex. We also offer cycle training for adults of all abilities.

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.

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