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18 Sep 2025

Cycling Scotland has highlighted the crucial distinction between legal and illegal e-bikes, warning that confusion risks undermining public trust in a technology that is helping thousands switch...

17 Sep 2025

Cycling retail specialists including the ACT has praised a recent Guardian feature on the topic of e-bikes and the use of illegal and unregulated models, with the piece providing...

15 Sep 2025

Dublin-based cycle workshop the Rediscovery Centre has achieved Cytech accreditation for its workshop team after completing advanced training with Activate Cycle Academy, an Oxford-based...

12 Sep 2025

Norwegian company Ampliuz is aiming to replicate the widespread network of EV chargers with a dedicated public charging system for e-bikes.

11 Sep 2025

With D2C bike brands facing significant headwinds, local bike have seen modest but real improvements in profits and prospects. Partnerships like ACT and Bikmo are helping independents strengthen...

5 Sep 2025

The average cycle trip in England lasted 24 minutes in 2024, remaining consistent with the previous year, new figures from the National Travel Survey have revealed.

4 Sep 2025

A panel event hosted by ACT Director Jonathan Harrison will focus on retailer experiences and how they are adapting to a number of challenges within the sector at this year’s inaugural...

3 Sep 2025

Cycling just two miles to work can improve heart health by up to 30 per cent compared with driving, new research has shown.

3 Sep 2025

The UK is far behind most European countries in e-bike sales, according to new research from ACT member Paul's Cycles.

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230...

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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

Two women with bikesA 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

Cycle laneCity 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

People riding hire bikesWhile 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.

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