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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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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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