Cycling comes with a bunch of benefits - not just for your health, but for the environment, too. With more people turning to pedal power, the Department for Transport estimate that the average person in England cycled 47 miles in 2023. But how do you stay safe on the roads, particularly in cities crowded with heavy traffic?
Here are our top tips to riding safely in built-up areas:
- Forget looking cool
- Be hyper aware
- Never use earphones
- Keep your bike serviced
- Know your limits
- Be decisive
- Make sure your helmet fits
- Stay clear of heavy vehicles
- Invest in a video cam
- Insure your bike
Forget looking cool
You might think bright cycling vests and reflective strips make you look like a children’s TV presenter, but they're a great way to make sure drivers can see you. The more visible you are the better, so you'll want to invest in decent lights for after dark, too.
Be hyper aware
Sadly, many drivers aren't as careful as they should be around cyclists. Remember this when you're on your bike. Pay particular attention at road junctions. According to Cycling UK, 70% of crashes involving bikes happen at, or near to, junctions.
Never use earphones
Never listen to music on earphones when you’re cycling. You won't be able to hear what’s coming until it’s too late!
Keep your bike serviced
Don’t take your bike for granted. If your wheel slips off its mount or your brakes fail at the wrong time, you could be in a world of trouble. A quick visit to your local bike repair shop could save your skin. Plus, a tune up could give you a much smoother, easier ride.
Know your limits
If you’re not confident, steer clear of busy roads. Pulling out to turn right with fast moving traffic alongside you is a challenge, even for experienced cyclists. Major roundabouts, too. If in doubt, get off and walk your bike to a quieter stretch of road.
If you're a nervous cyclist, stick to roads where there’s a cycle lane. Even then you should remain vigilant, as lanes are sometimes designed by town planners who haven’t ridden a bike in years.
Be decisive
Make it clear what you intend to do. Use hand signals and make eye contact with drivers when you can.
Make sure your helmet fits properly
There’s no law that says your have to wear a helmet when cycling in the UK. But, wearing one could protect you from serious head injury if you fall.
Make sure it fits well and strapped properly under the chin. Don't be tempted to have the straps dangling loose like you might see on other riders - it won't work that way!
If you take a knock wearing your helmet, you'll need to bin it and replace it. Once damaged it’s next to useless.
Stay clear of heavy vehicles
Although HGVs aren't involved in many collisions with cyclists, the ones they do have can be devastating. 1.6% of cycling accidents involve an HGV, but these incidents account for almost 17% of cyclist fatalities1.
Blind spots are a serious issue with heavy vehicles. Many are equipped with cameras - but the doesn't mean the driver can see everything around them.
Avoid the left side of HGVs. Don't undertake and be aware of their turn signals. If you're on their left and they turn that way, you could get hit. Your best bet is to hang back, or be ready to get out of their way.
Invest in a video cam
If a car hits you, there's a chance the driver will swear it was your fault - or worse, drive away. Photo or video evidence could make all the difference in an insurance claim.
For insurance purposes, it’s a good idea to take a picture of yourself with the bike before you leave it unattended. Make sure your snap shows your lock visibly attached.
Insure your bike
AXA Home Insurance policies cover up to £350 for each of your bicycles (up to a total claim amount of £1,500 for all bicycles). That covers your both at home, and out and about.
For an additional premium, you can specify bicycles worth more than £350 on your policy. You can add this cover to your policy at any time via your online account.
For new customers, you can get a quote for home insurance including bicycle cover with AXA today.
