Commuting Safely by Bike
**Updated May 2020.
The UK government regulations are now encouraging Londoner’s to commute by foot or bike due to Coronavirus. I thought it would be appropriate to push out this article I wrote in 2018.
My last post offered reasons to turn your commute into a cycle or run. This post is to highlight how to cycle to work safely on the London roads, or any roads for that matter. A main concern from my friends and family about cycling to work is safety, and well within their rights. Having cycled to work for over 10 years now, fear of cycling in London should not stop people commuting by bike. The cycle infrastructure has improved, and continues to improve significantly across our capital city. With just a few simple tips, and plenty of practise, you’ll realise is quite pleasant.
I want to encourage as many people to cycle as well, it's my favorite part of the day, jumping on my bike and cycling to work feeling refreshed and ready for the day!
Highway Code for Cyclists - Remind yourself of the road rules and follow the same rules of cars. Something we need to encourage all cyclists to be aware of. It is illegal to ride on the pavements.
TFL Free Cycling Skills Course - TFL offer free tailored courses to suit your individual abilities and goals.
My Top Cycle Safely Tips
Signalling - Always show drivers your intent so they know where you are likely to make a movement on the road. Signal WELL BEFORE you make your next move. Signal, Look, Move.
Image from Liv Cycling
Be Alert and Aware - Always keep an awareness of vehicles around you. In front of you, behind and to your right. Pre empt other vehicles movements ahead by cycling at a responsible and not fast speed. If you see a car pulling out of a road on the left, be aware they might not have seen you and can pull out.
Positioning - Stay back from large vehicles (lorries, HGV, busses). Don't try to squeeze in and cycle on the inside of them. This is when you can go out of their view, and as they turn left leaving you little/no room. This is one of the biggest causes of fatalities on the bike. So stay back and don't undertake large vehicles.
Cycle a wide birth from parked cars on the side of the road - Always give a wide birth to pre-empt drivers opening their door in parked cards without looking out for you.
Try to make eye contact with drivers - Always make eye contact with drivers. If you don't make eye contact then expect they haven't seen you and begin to slow. It's a simple and life saving habit to get into. Also make eye contact with pedestrians so they know not to cross (I've had pedestrians cross in front of me). Making eye contact have saved me many times from incoming traffic from roads on the left.
Stop at red lights - All cyclists need to abide by the cycle highway code.
Make yourself visible to all traffic - Whether this be bright coloured clothing, lights on your bike/helmet. Always position yourself on the road so you are completely visible. It is the law ti ride with a white front bike light and red back light.
Plan your route before heading out - TFL offer a variation of routes along the cycle highways and routes across London that avoid busy roads. There will always be ways to avoid large busy roads and roundabouts.
Wear a helmet, always.
Always carry fully charged lights on the bike.
Happy cycling guys - it’s the best way round London for sure!!
Alice