How to cycle safely in cities
Posted on in Cycles News , Outdoor News
Claire Monroe, guest writer for the ACT, has written an article on the how to cycle safely in cities.
Information originally published in a guide by Comparethemarket
With more people heading back into cities and offices after the pandemic, the topic of road safety has never been more important. Especially for cyclists, it’s vital to be aware of the ways you can stay safe when riding through bustling cities full of busy commuters. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and others safe. Let’s take a look at some top tips.
Understand the hierarchy of road users
A new addition to The Highway Code in 2022, the hierarchy of road users was created to help people understand who is most at risk in the event of an accident. The hierarchy starts with the most vulnerable and ends with the least, as follows: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, cars, vans/minibuses and finally, large passenger or courier vehicles such as buses and HGVs. There is a further subdivision within the pedestrian category, for example, which allows for the extra vulnerability of children, the elderly, and anybody with a disability.
This hierarchy was designed in order to improve clarity on who has the most responsibility on the road, with buses and HGVs at the top as they have the potential to cause the most damage. This doesn't mean you can relax as a cyclist, however, as the hierarchy doesn’t automatically mean that all drivers will behave responsibly and will be aware of their surroundings at all times. Additionally, you still have a responsibility to not behave recklessly.
Use cycle lanes
City centres can be very dangerous places for cyclists due to the volume of traffic, which is why cycle lanes were introduced. The purpose of these is to provide cyclists with access to places cars can't (or shouldn't) go. Advanced stop lines at traffic lights, for example, enable cyclists to get across junctions ahead of left-turning or overtaking vehicles, improving safety.
As such, you should aim to use cycle lanes wherever possible. If you need to leave a cycle lane at any point, make sure you're aware of the traffic around you and signal to let drivers know what you are planning to do. Alternatively, if another cyclist indicates that they want to move past you within a cycle lane, you should move to one side and slow down to allow this.
Be wary of driver attitudes
While there are many rules and regulations in place to protect cyclists and attempt to keep streets as safe as possible, bike riders are still in the minority and they can face increased difficulty on the road because of this. It is important to stay vigilant while cycling as you can't always predict how other drivers will react to you. It's worth bearing in mind that some drivers may even panic when they see a cyclist ahead of them, so never assume that they will overtake safely or stay a safe distance behind you.
No matter where you are, there will always be a risk of accidents on the road, so make sure you're following the rules of the road at all times.