Cycling safely is good for everyone

• There’s now a new hierarchy of road users
• Those who can do the most harm have the greatest responsibility
• Drivers and riders have to give way to pedestrians crossing a road
• Pedestrians and cyclists have priority when turning in and out of junctions
• Drivers and riders need to give plenty of space when passing others. At least:
  • 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30mph
  • 2 metres and under 10mph for horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles
  • 2 metres and a low speed when passing pedestrians walking on a road
• Cyclists can go in the centre of the lane, or two side-by-side for their own safety
• In a vehicle, the door should be opened with the hand furthest from the door, helping to make drivers look over their shoulder to see cyclists or pedestrians nearby

Changes in The Highway Code

Most children enjoy cycling and, the earlier they start, the more familiar they’ll be with all the safety aspects. Here are a few simple tips:

• Balance bikes – small bikes with no pedals – can help young children get started
• Tandem bikes, which attach to an adult bike, can teach children to pedal properly
• Any child cycling needs the right clothes, plus a suitable helmet
• It’s important to make sure the bike’s the right size
• Cycle training at school often starts in the playground and may move to on-road training
• For more information about cycle training, speak to your local council, or see below

Child cycle training

• Cycling Scotland coordinates cycle training in nurseries and schools
• Sustrans has a suite of I-Bike resources for all primary and secondary school children. These are mainly online, but an I-Bike officer might work in your local area and may also have access to bikes, scooters, and helmets
• i-Cycle is a child cycle training course available in some local council areas, mainly for primary school children

If you’ve never cycled before, or just want a reminder of the basics, you can look into cycle training. Ask your local council, as they may offer adult cycle training too.

It’s important to regularly check that your bike’s roadworthy. Basic maintenance includes checking:

• Wheels, spokes and tyres
• Both brakes
• Chain, pedals and gears
• Lighting and reflectors
• Handlebars and seat

An M–Check is an easy way to make sure your bike’s roadworthy

It’s also worth taking the following with you on any ride:

• Charged-up phone
• Tyre pump
• Puncture repair kit or spray foam
• Set of allen keys
• Spanners to release the wheel (if you don’t have quick release bolts)
• A bar mirror is always a good idea
• Wet wipes to clean hands
• Water and something to eat

Wearing the right safety gear can help to stop serious injuries.

Helmets

• A cycle helmet can protect you from serious head injuries
• The front should sit just below your ears
• The chin strap should be tight enough that you can put no more than two fingers underneath

Clothes

• Cycling clothes should fit well and be bright enough to get noticed
• Shorts or cycling trousers often have padding in strategic areas for additional comfort
• Gloves have padded palms to absorb jarring from road bumps
• Cycling shoes have a harder sole for more control when pedalling
• A skull cap helps with head warmth in winter

Lights and reflectors

• Lights and reflectors need to be red at the rear and white at the front
• If you’re using a bike when it’s dark, it must have the right lights and reflectors
• Pedal reflectors should be amber or yellow
• Flashing lights are legal and can be combined with fixed lights
• A bell or warning device can come in handy, particularly on cycle paths