Portsmouth City Council

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Cycling hints and tips

  • follow the Highway Code and obey traffic signs and signals. Red means stop!
  • always use lights (front and rear) at night
  • ride positively, decisively and confidently

Pavements

  • do not ride on the pavement (unless signs show that you may)
  • when sharing paths with pedestrians, be considerate. Keep to the correct side of the path (where it is segregated) and use a bell to warn others of your approach

On the road

  • when riding on the road, show other road users what you intend to do
  • think ahead. Anticipate drivers’ actions. Catch their eye
  • be visible. Ride clear of the kerb and wear bright and/or reflective clothing
  • move over when it is safe and convenient

Bicycle Maintenance

  • Bicycle size – make sure that your bike is the correct size for comfort and safety
  • Reflectors and lights – are they fitted and working? It is against the law to ride a bike without a reflector, and remember to keep them clean!
  • Tyres – are they properly inflated? Do they have good tread?
  • Chain – make sure it is oiled and properly adjusted
  • Brakes – are the brake pads worn? Do they work?

What motorists would like cyclists to know:

  • Follow road instructions – motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavement
  • Hazards – motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and may have less time to take account of hazards of sudden cyclist turns
  • Visibility – motorists may not always see cyclists
  • Confidence – motorists are made uneasy by cyclists that seem hesitant or wobble
  • Speed – motorists can feel delayed by cyclists
  • Cycling conditions – motorists don’t always understand that some surfaces, junctions or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclists

What cyclists would like motorists to know:

Vulnerability

  • Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists – drivers have the major responsibility to take care.
  • Rain, wind and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclists

Extra room

  • Cyclists can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving
  • Cyclists have a right to space on the road and need extra room at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction

Cycling into traffic

  • cyclists ride away from the kerb to avoid drains, potholes, debris and parked cars, be seen as they approach junctions, and discourage drivers from squeezing past where it is too narrow
  • cyclists turning right are exposed and need more consideration
  • cyclists can be forced into faster traffic by vehicles parked inconsiderately
  • cyclists are dazzled by full beam headlights, like everyone else

What motorists can do:

Think Bike

  • Expect to see cyclists
  • Watch for the riders on the inside
  • Always look for cyclists before opening a car door


Speed

  • Slow down and drive smoothly. Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in bad weather
  • Keep to the speed limit


Behaviour on the road

  • Remember to signal
  • Remain patient
  • Use dipped headlights


Space

  • Give cyclists space and never force past them
  • Give space to cyclists turning right
  • Park considerately

Think of a bike as a vehicle – it is!