Top cycling tips

• Free cycle training for children and adults to improve your cycle confidence and learn how to keep safe.
• Helpful tips and advice for cyclists and drivers from the government’s THINK! website:
  1. Making good and frequent observations and eye contact especially by junctions.
  2. Choose the most suitable riding position for each point in your journey.
  3. Communicating intentions clearly to others.
  4. Understanding priorities on the road.
  5. Be prepared – see and be seen, helmet, lock, know your route and consider some free training to learn some ways to keep safe.
• Share this Space with other road and path users and be a cycle ambassador – Be alert, be patient and be nice! Don’t jump red lights!
• Cycling UK’s  Top ten tips for cycling in traffic and Essential riding advice for beginners
• ‘Better by Bike’ tips for riding safely.
• Find traffic-free, cycle routes and quiet roads near you to help you plan your journey
• Know your Highway Code – see Rules for Cyclists and You and your bicycle
• Consider a bike camera so you can submit footage to the Police’s Operation Snap if you witness driving offences such as dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention and careless driving
• Invest in a good bike, whether it’s new or second hand- it will be nicer to ride and the more you enjoy riding it the more you will cycle.
• Look after your bike  by regularly checking tyres, wheels, brakes and keep it clean and lubricated.
• In 2014 the road minister confirmed that cyclists are permitted to ride on the pavement, as long as they do so considerately
• Cycle helmets (and also bike accessories and clothing) – advice from Sustrans
  • Always buy a new helmet which conforms to one of the recognised safety standards such as BS or CE.
  • A good helmet should be firmly fitted with no gap between the helmet and your head.
  • If you will be cycling for long periods, choose a helmet with air vents to help keep you cool.
  • Check your helmet regularly for wear and tear and, if it takes a bash, replace it.

• Use lights and consider wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially in towns, at night and in bad weather.
• Cycling is a year round activity so follow our cycling in winter tips.
• Never cycle along the inside of large vehicles, such as lorries and buses, especially at junctions, where most accidents happen.
• Teach your child how to ride a bike.