Cycling safety tips

When cycling, you need all your senses to keep you alert and safe on the road.

Wearing headphones and not looking properly can take your attention from what is going on in the road around you.

Distraction can cause cyclists to misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic and make unsafe manoeuvres.

• Be seen - wear bright colour clothes and ideally something reflective
• Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they have seen you
• Stop at junctions and look, look, look. If you're not sure wait
• Keep on the lookout for hazards such as loose gravel, pot holes, wet leaves or ruts in the road
• Wear a comfortable, well-fitting helmet. Arms and legs recover, heads often don't
• Carry emergency contact details with you
• If going on a long bike ride let someone know when you expect to return
• Keep tyres inflated; it makes for a smoother ride, means less effort to pedal and makes the bike easier to handle
• Do not ride at dusk or in the dark without cycle lights
• Use hand signals to show where you are going. Help drivers to help you