Keeping safe on your bicycle
Cycling should be fun, but it should also be safe. By following
a few simple safety rules, you can make sure you keep out of
trouble on the roads.
Cheshire Constabulary encourages cyclists to be legal and
safe.
By law you must:
- Make sure that lights and reflectors work and are kept clean.
The law states you must have white front and red rear lights lit
when you are using it at night. A set of road legal lights can be
purchased for less than £10.
The Highway Code also strongly recommends:
- A cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the
correct size and securely fastened
- Appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get
tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
- Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road
users to see you in daylight and poor light
- Reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle
bands) in the dark.
Keeping your bicycle safe
To help keep your bike safe, follow these basic security
tips:
- Do not leave your bike in isolated places
- Park safely and considerately; never leave your bike in a place
where it will be a danger or obstruction to others - particularly
older people, young children, or people with disabilities
- Always lock your bike when leaving it, even if it's only for a
few minutes
- Secure your bike to proper stands or robust street
furniture
- Lock your bike through the frame, not the wheels
- Secure or remove wheels
- Remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured,
especially lights, pumps and quick-release saddles
- Consider getting your bike security marked so that police
can
- And remember, over 50 per cent of bike theft occurs in owners'
homes - so you may want to keep you bike locked up at all
times
Maintaining your bike
You need to keep your bike well maintained and in good working
order. Carry out regular checks to make sure that:
- tyres are in good condition and inflated to the pressure shown
on the tyre
- gears are working correctly
- the chain is properly adjusted and oiled
- the saddle and handlebars are adjusted to the correct
height
- your brakes are efficient
Cycling safety and training for children
Getting children interested in cycling at an early age is a
great way to encourage them to exercise. However, young people
between 11 and 15 are most vulnerable on the roads, and only
one-third of children ever do any cycle training.
The three-level National Standard for Cycle Training provides
all the skills required for safe cycling on-and-off-road. Although
primarily aimed at children, this training is also relevant for
adults. The levels break down as follows:
Level 1, age 7-8: beginners and basic cycling skills - held
off-road; children learn how to control, balance and manoeuvre
Level 2, age 9-10: introduction to on-road cycling - held on
quieter roads in groups; children learn where to position
themselves when riding on the road and how to observe traffic,
signal and turn/manoeuvre safely. Also includes basic understanding
of The Highway Code
Level 3, age 11-12: advanced cycling - held on busier roads;
children learn skills required for making longer journeys; also
learn how to deal with all types of road conditions - such as
roundabouts, traffic lights and multi-lane roads
Since 2007, Bikeability courses have also
been held, which are based on the National Cycle Training Standards
process.
Contact your local council to find out where your nearest
Bikeability course is:
Cheshire West and
Chester Council
Cheshire East Council
Halton Borough Council
Warrington Borough Council