Reminder to cyclists – what you need to remember on the road

As weather conditions improve and more people are cycling, we wanted to outline what cyclists should remember when out on the road.

An ideal starting point is the Highway Code and there are certain rules aimed solely at cyclists – specifically Rules 59 to 82.

We’re not going to bombard you with all of them, just a few basics to help you cycle safely.

Rules of the Road for Cyclists

Rule 59: Clothing

Helmets - ensure your helmet conforms to current safety regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened. Avoid a second-hand helmet as you may not be aware of it’s crash history. The structural integrity of the helmet may have compromised without any visible signs. Not all helmets are equal. The British Standards Institution (BSI) BS EN 1078 is the standard code to look out for. It should be noted that a related standard BS EN 1080 was created for helmets worn by young children.

Clothing - Light-coloured or fluorescent for during daylight and poor lighting conditions and reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) for the dark.

Gloves – an item that is often overlooked but while they improve your grip to actually stay on the bike, in the event of a fall gloves also protect your skin. 

Sunglasses – to protect against sun glare and prevents your eyes from watering in the wind or being struck by flying debris (and bugs!) It should be noted that very dark sunglasses can obscure your vision when you move from strong sunlight directly into deep shadow and therefore may not be the most suitable. Lighter-coloured lenses will usually reduce glare, without compromising your vision in deep shade.

Rule 60: Bike lights – to see, or to be seen

It is a requirement to have a white front light and rear red light between sunset and sunrise. Pulsating front and rear lights are permitted. Your front light should have 110 degree visibility, to ensure you are visible from different angles.

It is against the Highway code and highly dangerous to show a red light at the front or white light at the rear.

A bright flash/blinking sequence red rear light during daylight hours will boost your visibility to other road users. A pulsating light may be more effective in drawing attention to yourself than a steady light during daylight. This can be particularly relevant in Scotland with our often unpredictable weather conditions and also in winter when you may have low winter sun.

Rules 61 to 65: Where you can cycle

You should NEVER cycle on the pavement. If you do need to use a pavement then you should get off your bike and push until you return to the road or cycle path. Designated cycle paths are safer than roads but are not compulsory – and if you do use them then watch out for others like dog walkers or pedestrians and take care at junctions where cycle lanes crisscross.

Cyclists can use the majority of bus lanes as indicated on signs but please take care for buses entering traffic flows or of passengers getting off.

Filtering is permitted and can be a useful way to get ahead of queuing traffic. Indeed, it can also improve traffic flow. Caution should be exercised when filtering past junctions, as vehicles travelling in the same direction may give way to oncoming traffic turning right, which may well be out of your line of sight and may not be aware of your presence. Avoid passing a bus, HGV or other long vehicle on the inside.

Attention should be taken when crossing tramlines. Not all tramlines are designed with the cyclist in mind. The road markings may be such that road users are being guided to travel at a shallow angle across tramlines. If you do need to cross tramlines, you show do so slowly and as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to avoid your wheel becoming trapped.

Rule 69 and 71: cyclists obeying road signals

As a road cyclist, you are part of the traffic so you must obey signals and signs like any other motorist. Some cyclists stop at a red light then dismount and cross the road using pedestrian crossings before remounting at the other side – this is okay as it’s advised in Rule 79.

Tips on road positioning

Your road position should not be too close to the kerb as it makes you more visible to drivers and reduces the risk of contacting slippery manhole covers and road debris in gutters. It also leaves you nowhere to go if a pothole appears in your path.

If you feel a driver is attempting to overtake when it is not safe to do so, it might be appropriate for you to move your road position to the centre of the lane (the primary position) to prevent an unsafe overtaking manoeuvre from the motorist. An example would be if you are approaching a traffic island where there would be insufficient space for a driver to safely overtake, you should move into the “primary position” to indicate this to the driver.

Rules of the Road for motorists

There are specific rules in the Highway Code that serves as a reminder for motorists to pay particular attention to other road users requiring extra care. It should come as no surprise that cyclist’s fall into this category and are classed as vulnerable road users.

Rules 211- 213: Advice for motorists about cyclists

Motorists should keep a proper lookout for cyclists and allow cyclists time, space and plenty of room. Although some of the guidance in these rules may seem obvious, we know all too well how not paying heed to these tips can have serious consequences for cyclists.

All road users should follow the Highway Code and take time to remind themselves what their obligations are towards others. More information can be found in our recent article about changes to the Highway Code.

Tips for cycling abroad

This is great for your physical health, mental well-being and is kinder to the environment. It even helps local businesses as you’re more likely to buy local produce like coffees or cold drinks as you take a break. This in turn also helps you meet new people, experience local culture more keenly and see places off the beaten track.

But before you throw your helmet in a suitcase it’s important to be mindful of what you’re doing.

Know where you are

Different countries have different traffic laws, different driver customs and different punishments if you fall foul of them. For example, in Mallorca, you face a fixed penalty for cycling across a pedestrian crossing and failing to give all pedestrians the right of way. And in Australia, it is mandatory for all cyclists to wear a helmet. While in France it’s illegal to cycle while wearing headphones. Then there is the road network to consider. Drivers will more likely than not be driving on the right instead of the left - this means care and caution are needed at junctions and roundabouts, especially in built-up areas.

Plan your route before you set off - paying attention to the terrain, and class of road – and buy a local map to help avoid congested routes or getting lost in a strange country. Maybe also jot down or memorise a few key phrases in the local language to help in case of emergency

Prepare for the weather

Whether you are cycling in hot, cold, wet, mountainous or even snowy or desert terrain you need to be prepared. Clothing. Nutrition. Having the right bike and equipment. Not over-estimating your fitness or ability.

Seasoned cyclists will appreciate these things already. But to those who are only accustomed to the odd pootle, it can easily catch people out. Consider where you are travelling to and see if your checklist could benefit from some of these key points below:

• Packable clothing - either to protect from sun, rain or cold.
• Sunglasses
• Water-resistant sunscreen (and a smaller tub to take with you for re-application mid-ride)
• Electrolyte hydration tablets to replace vital salts lost via sweat
• Phone and cash in local currency for emergencies
• Proof of ID - not just for safety but in some countries it is mandatory to be able to present it in the event you are stopped by local authorities
• Gear - have you got the right tyres, enough inner tubes and other tech for the route you’re doing?

'Hire or flyer?' - travelling with your bike vs renting a local one

Some cyclists can’t wait to take their pride and joy abroad while others feel sick at the thought of travelling with theirs in case something goes wrong in transit or fear that if they suffer a mechanical fault then their whole trip could be affected.

For this second reason, many people simply hire a bike when they land at their foreign destination. There may be a small outlay to do this of course but it can offer some peace of mind.

But again - don’t just pay the provider and hop on. There are several key things to consider.

• Ensure you hire your bike from a reputable company.
• Hire a bike that suits your visit. For example, if you will be cycling up hills make sure the hire bike has the right range of gears to tackle it.
• Will you be cycling on roads, dirt tracks or mountains? Whatever the terrain, consider the tyres and if they are fit for purpose.
• Check if hydration bottles - and bottle cages - will be provided with the bike.
• Do the bikes come with spare inner tubes, pumps, tyre levers and multi-tools if things go wrong? If they do then also make sure the spare inner tube valve provided is the same as that on the bike by checking both have the right valve (usually Presta or Schrader).
• Are you allowed to swap the pedals for your own so you can wear your cleats?
• Take care of the brakes! It is common for some countries to actually mount the front brake on the left instead of the right.

Even if hiring a bike it is good practice to bring your own helmet. Not only does this ensure you have a correctly fitting kask but you cannot guarantee the structural integrity of a hired helmet or how many falls, collisions or bumps it has been in.

Get the right travel insurance

As with any trip, travel insurance is important for the safety of you and your bike. You may already have existing insurance such as home insurance, or bike insurance that covers cycling in the UK. However, be sure to check the terms of any existing cover carefully in case there are any gaps in insurance. Ensure you are compliant with the terms of the policy in terms of bike security abroad, packaging etc.

A British Cycling or Scottish Cycling membership will cover most things for cycling abroad, but make sure to look into the finer details of your policy to ensure medical cover.

Not all companies will cover you, for example, mountain biking is deemed dangerous, therefore you may need to take out a separate cover. This ensures the best levels of cover for your bike in case anything happens to it.

Most insurance policies will not cover you for recovery insurance. If you want a cover that will collect you in the event of a breakdown/fatigue out on the road, this will require to be arranged separately.

However you get around on your bike – and whatever the circumstances - stay seen, stay smart, and stay safe.

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