Safety
Whether you are an experienced or inexperienced cyclist
you must obey the Highway Code - it applies to cyclists as much
as to motorists. Here are some of the points illustrated in the
code.
On-Road
You must obey all traffic signs and traffic light
signals.
Bus lanes may be used by cyclists only if the
signs include a cycle symbol. Be very careful when overtaking or
leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic
flow.
Cycle lanes are marked by a white line (which
may be broken) along the carriageway. Keep within the lane whenever
possible.
Advanced stop lines enable cyclists to position
themselves ahead of other traffic at traffic signal junctions.
Off-Road
Cycle tracks may segregate cyclists and
pedestrians or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When
using segregrated tracks you must keep to the side intended for
cyclists.
Footways may also permit cyclists to share the
space with pedestians and may be segregated by a white line or
unsegregated. Do not cycle on a footway unless there are signs to
indicate a shared footway.
Take care when passing pedestrians, especially
children, elderly or disabled people and allow them plenty of room.
Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary.
Junctions
- Do not ride on the inside of vehicles
signalling or slowing down to turn left.
- Pay attention to long vehicles which need a
lot of room to manoeuvre at corners. Do not be tempted to ride in
the space between them and the kerb.
- Roundabouts can be hazardous and should be
approached with care.
You may feel safer either keeping to the left on the roundabout
or dismounting and walking your cycle round on the pavement or
verge.
Crossings
Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra
crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.
Toucan crossings are light-controlled crossing
which allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross at the same time.
They are push button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see
the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride
across.
Cycle - only crossings. Cycle tracks on
opposite sides of the road may be linked by signalled crossings.
You may ride across but you must not cross until the green cycle
symbol is showing.
Road Safety Education/Cycle Training
Cycling on roads requires competence and this can be
supported by taking the RoSPA National Cycling Training
Test. The test helps to develop observation and
manoeuvrability skills, introduces the Highway Code for Young Road
Users, teaches the importance of cycle maintenance and hazard
awareness, and provides information and advice on being conspicuous
and wearing protective headgear.
Cycling courses and activity sessions for all ages are organised
by our Cycle Development Officer. Some are focused on improving
cycle control skills, road safety knowledge and traffic awareness
to help build cyclists' confidence. If you are interested, please
contact cycling@reading.gov.uk.
If your
child can ride a bike and is 10 years of age or over why not enrol
them on a Bikeability Cycling Course
through their school or during the holiday period.
. Areas covered include: cycle control skills, starting and
stopping, turning left, turning right, overtaking, emergency stop
and the Highway Code. Remember your child may wish to
cycle to their new school in September.