Is Cycling Safe ?

1. Is Cycling Safe ? • Is cycling safe? Cycling on the roads is a low risk activity but only “safe” if • You can confidently control you bike. • Your bike is will maintained. • You wear clothing that can be easily seen by other drivers. • You have some previous training • How to negotiate junctions, roundabouts, obstacles etc • Defensive cycling - Rules of thumb to stop you getting squashed • Road positioning e.g. - Bikeability - Road experience with an experienced relative / family friend • Is safe for my son / daughter to cycle on the road? • The same rules as above apply plus... • If they are cycling with other children • their bikes must be well maintained • they should have had similar road experience training. • Is there any cycle training locally? • www.bikeability.org.uk is the new “Cycling proficiency” • Leeds City Council offer very reasonable adult / family courses (£10) • “bike buddy” finds a cycling partner to get started. - needs experienced cyclists to help inexperienced cyclists get started. • The CycleCraft book is recommended reading and provides advice for parents. Now targeted at both adults and children, with special advice for parents Reflects experience gained through implementation of Bikeability, the National Cycle Training Standard Restructured to present a more effective teaching order, with more detailed advice on the basics of starting to cycle Updated for current bike styles and equipment New chapters on carrying children and goods and riding with others www.cyclecraft.co.uk Cont \...

2. Is Cycling Safe ? • …/ Cont • Is cycling on the pavement safe? • Generally speaking No ! • You are cycling as uninvited guests of pedestrians. • It is faster and safer to cycle on the road providing you have the skills to do so. • It may be safe for you but you may frighten or unsettle pedestrians who take evasive action. • If you are over 16 you are liable £20+ on the spot fine. • Do I legally need to wear a cycling helmet? • No but… • Wearing a helmet provides a good role model for children, that always benefit from using helmets. • Buy not wearing one, a insurance company may claim you “contributed” to an accident even if it wasn’t your fault. • Helmets provide protection against pavements rather than cars. • Where can I report poor road surfaces, pot holes etc.? • The Leeds Highways helpline • Email highways@leeds.go.uk • Phone 0113 398 4760 or 0845 124 0113. • Also report online @ www.fillthathole.org.uk This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.