Think Bike: Safety on the Road

 

The number of people choosing to cycle, whether it be for the health benefits or as a way to get to work, has significantly increased in recent years within the UK – with an astonishing 3.2 billion miles cycled on our roads every year.

Unfortunately, cyclists are also amongst the most vulnerable road users within the UK and there is a serious risk from not only poor road conditions or faulty equipment, but also inattentive drivers.

In fact, when the UK began its first lockdown in 2020, the month of March saw cyclist fatalities double the average for that time of year, with 14 cyclists in Great Britain and one in Northern Ireland victims in road traffic incidents.

While this wasn’t a long-term trend and there are fewer cars on the road, we don’t want the risks of cycling to outweigh its clear benefits which are it is economical, environmentally friendly, and a fun way to get around. So, how can we make sure that cyclists and drivers are looking out for each other and keeping one another safe on the road?

 

Safety Tips for Cyclists

• Ride decisively and make sure to keep clear of the kerb
• Wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet
• Always wear high visibility and reflective clothing, especially after dark
• Make sure to always use lights after dark or when visibility is poor
• Avoid riding up the inside of vehicles as you may not be seen
• Use appropriate hand gestures to signal left/right turn taking
• Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, and make sure to give clear timely signals

 

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Always keep an eye out for cyclists
• Check for cyclists before pulling out at a junction, when doing a manoeuvre or when changing lanes
• Take an extra look in your mirrors and blind spots
• Leave plenty of space when overtaking a cyclist
• Be aware of Advanced Stop Lines. These allow increased visibility for vulnerable road users such as cyclists. You must stop at the first white line if the traffic light is amber or red and when the green light shows, allow the road user time and space to set off
• The lower your speed, the less risk you are to a cyclist, so take extra care to drive a little slower in residential areas and areas without cycle lanes

 

If you do find yourself injured due to a cycling accident, you may be due compensation if the accident was caused by the actions of another road user, if the road or cycle lane was in poor condition, or if your injury was due to an equipment failure.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please feel free to get in touch with one of our no win no fee solicitors.