Safety first
In 2020, 16,294 cyclists were injured in reported road accidents, including 4,356 who were killed or seriously injured (source: ROSPA).
Before setting out on your bike it's important to make sure you'll be safe when cycling.
Be a responsible cyclist
Please be courteous to other route users when you cycle. Always cycle with respect for others: cyclists, pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, horse riders or drivers, and acknowledge those who give way to you.
On shared-use paths:
- Give way to pedestrians: leave them plenty of room
- Keep to your side of any dividing line and keep to the left when you meet other cyclists
- Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary
- Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds
- Be careful at junctions, bends and entrances
- Remember many people are hard of hearing and visually impaired - don’t assume they can see or hear you
- Carry a bell and use it - don’t surprise people
- Give way where there are wheelchair users and horse riders
When cycling on roads:
- Always follow the Highway Code
- Be seen - most accidents to cyclists happen at junctions
- Fit lights and use them in poor visibility
- Always wear a helmet and conspicuous clothing
- Keep your bike roadworthy
- Do not cycle on pavements except where designated - pavements are for pedestrians
- Use your bell - not all pedestrians can see you
In the countryside:
- Always follow the Countryside Code
- Respect other land management activities, farming or forestry and take litter home with you
- Keep erosion to a minimum if off-road
- Try to cycle or use public transport to travel to the start and finish of your ride
- Match your speed to the surface and your skills
Thank you for cycling!
The Gov.uk rules for cyclists webpages provide further advice on what to do to stay safe on the roads including following the Highway Code.
Cycling rights of way - Please be considerate of other public rights of way users and to care for the land and the needs of owners and occupiers. For further information, see the Countryside Code.