Cycling and Cycle Training
Learning to ride a bicycle in traffic can be a daunting experience: What route is best? How do I overtake? What do I do at a roundabout? Confident and experienced cyclists ride assertively and defensively, taking their place on the road. When cyclists act like vehicles they are treated as such by other road users.
Ride Assertively
Assertive cycling means taking your proper place on the road and making positive, clear movements. Cycle well out from the kerb: you're more visible, you've got room to manoeuvre and you're not encouraging motorists to overtake too closely. When turning right or using a roundabout, position yourself much as you would in a car, using any turning lanes to the full.
Ride Defensively
Defensive cycling means being aware of what is going on around you all the time. Assume that everyone else is going to do the unexpected - that a car door will open in your way, the car overtaking you will turn left across your path, the cyclist at the next turning will pull out in front of you and the pedestrian ahead will wander into the cycle track.
Decide as you ride what you will do to avoid any potential incident.
Aim to be seen by other road users and make eye contact with drivers waiting to pull out. Wear a helmet and reflective strips or bright clothing. Be aware that most collisions happen at junctions. Long vehicles cut across corners when turning, so never overtake them on the inside when approaching a junction. When using a shared-use pavement, watch for pedestrians and be especially careful when crossing side-roads.
Follow the rules
It goes without saying that you must obey traffic law. If cyclists don't obey the law then how can you expect motorists to do so?
- Don't ride on the pavement, except where blue cycle signs indicate that you may.
- Obey traffic signals and one-way streets.
- Use lights at night. You are less visible without them.
Cycle Training
Adult cycle training is available in Liverpool from Cycling Solutions on 0151 234 9484 or Cycling Projects on 0161 745 9099. The Merseyside Local Transport Plan partners have adopted the new National Cycle Training Standards and are currently delivering this enhanced training to schools across Merseyside.