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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.
 

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.

16 Jun 2025

The ACT has welcomed the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking's report "Unregulated and Unsafe: The Threat of Illegal E-Bikes", which calls for urgent Government action to...

11 Jun 2025

A new academic study has found that overzealous pro-cycling campaigners on social media may be inadvertently damaging the case for better cycling infrastructure across the UK.

11 Jun 2025

Bira has welcomed the Welsh Government's consultation on business rate reforms for retail shops, whilst calling for significant improvements to ensure the proposals truly support high street...

10 Jun 2025

Bike thefts across England and Wales have continued their steady decline, according to new data released by cycle insurance specialist Bikmo.

9 Jun 2025

Retailers on Britain's high streets are being encouraged to put themselves forward for the first-ever Love Your High Street Awards, designed to celebrate the small businesses that bring...

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The definitive guide to safer cycling series part 3

Posted on in Cycles News , Outdoor News

The definitive guide to safer cycling is a four part series that offers crucial information on important cycling safety statistics as well as helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe whilst cycling at night, during the winter and in any other less-than-ideal situation written by Michael Morris.

Part 3 offers information and advice on cycling safety clothing and equipment.

Prudential RideLondon 

People cycle for a multitude of reasons; whether that is for travelling to work or school, nipping to the shops or even for leisure and fitness.

No matter the reason for cycling it is always imperative to follow a number of safety procedures to ensure that you're not the next casualty.

Always wear an appropriate helmet

A cycling helmet is one of the most important safety features you can invest in and will help to protect your head in the event of a fall or collision.

A couple of key tips when buying a helmet are:

  • The helmet should fit properly on your heard, ideally sitting squarely above your eyebrows and not tilted in any way
  • The straps should be well fastened, you can test this by making sure only two fingers can fit between strap and chin

In terms of safety, it is worth replacing your cycle helmet every five years and ill-advised to buy a second hand or damaged helmet.

Setting your bike up

With poor light, it's important to ensure your bike is fitted with a light that you can switch on. Having reflectors fitted to the bike is also a great idea as these will light up by oncoming vehicle's headlights.

As guidance:

  • A white light should be fitted to the front
  • A red light should be fitted to the back
  • A red reflector should also be fitted to the rear

Wear correct clothing for cycling

When cycling it's ideal to wear reflective clothing that can easily be seen no matter the time of day.

Your clothing should also be cycle friendly - so they're not going to get caught up in the chain or wheels and risk an accident.

Read the full guide to Cycling Safety Clothing and Equipment in the UK.

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