PART III

RULES FOR CYCLISTS

55.You should wear:-

• a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations.
• the correct clothes for cycling. Do not wear clothes which may become tangled in the chain, or wheel or may hide your lights.
• light-coloured or other clothing which helps road users to see you in daylight and poor light.
• reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark.

Help yourself to be seen

56. At night your cycle MUST have front and rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and it is recommended that you use amber pedal reflectors) Flashing lights and other reflectors may help you to be seen but MUST NOT be used without your lights.

57. Use cycle paths when provided. They can make your journey safer. 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.

58. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. Stay in this lane wherever possible.

• cycle on the left side of the road unless using a cycle lane that is clearly marked for 'two way' cycling.
• ride in single file on narrow or busy roads.
• be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there by ringing your bell for example.
• keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear.
• keep both feet on the pedals.
• never ride close behind another vehicle.
• never carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain.

• look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do.
• look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid them. Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened into your path.
• take extra care near road humps, and other traffic calming features.

• carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one.
• hold on to a moving vehicle or trailer.
• ride in an inconsiderate, careless or dangerous manner.
• ride under the influence of drink or drugs.
• cycle on the sidewalk/pavement.
• leave your cycle where it would cause a hazard or obstruct other road users or pedestrians, for example, lying on the pavement.
• Cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red.

61. These may be used by cyclists only if the signs include a cycle symbol.

62. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.

63. Pay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of room to manoeuvre at corners. They may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they have completed the manoeuvre because the rear wheels come very close to the kerb while turning. Do not be tempted to ride in the space between them and the kerb.

Long vehicles need extra room

On the right

64. If you are turning right, check traffic behind you, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road.

65. Remember vehicles on most dual carriageways move more quickly than on single carriageways. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn.

66. Full details about the correct procedure at roundabouts are contained in the section on 'Roundabouts'. Roundabouts can be hazardous and should be approached with care.

67. You may feel safer either keeping to the left on the roundabout or dismounting and walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to keep to the left you should:

• be aware that drivers may not easily see you.
• take extra care when cycling across exits and you may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout.
• watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout.

68. Give plenty of room to long vehicles on the roundabout as they need more space to manoeuvre. Do not ride in the space they need to get round the roundabout. It may be safer to wait until they have cleared the roundabout.

69. Do not ride across a pelican or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.