Frequently Asked Questions
Cycling
Where can I find information on learning to ride a bike
as an adult?
A national cycling curriculum for adults
is currently being developed. In the meantime, Life Cycle UK (Tel: 0117 929
0440) offer discreet one-to-one lessons for £20/hour, and they'll
come to you! The Council's Road Safety
Unit runs a half-day informal training course for adults
rediscovering cycling.
Can I use flashing lights on
my bike?
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations demand
that cycles used on the road between the hours of sunset and
sunrise must carry visible lights and reflectors (and amber pedal
reflectors, if manufactured after 1 October 1985). (Position (side)
lights are required from sunset to sunrise and headlamps from 30
minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise). The minimum
requirement is that such lights must conform to, and be marked
with, the relevant British Standard, BS 6102/3. This lighting
standard has recently been amended to allow the use of non-flashing
LED light sources but only if they meet this required British
Standard. Strictly speaking, flashing lights are restricted by law
to emergency vehicles only. However, flashing LEDs can now be used
alone on bicycles.
Do I have to have a bell
fitted on my bike?
It is advisable that you have a bell fitted so your can warn others
of your approach but, so long as you have some sort of audible
warning device (and that can be your voice!), it is not a legal
requirement.r
At what age is it safe for my
child to cycle on the road?
As a parent or guardian, you will have to judge when your child is
safe to ride on the road. Make sure you are happy that the bike is
in good working order and that the child can keep control of the
bike at all times. Although there will be noticeable variations in
the ability of each child to ride a bike, a 10 or 11 year old
should be able to cycle on the road under the supervision of a
competent adult. If in any doubt about their safety, dismount and
walk until you feel safe enough to continue. The Road Safety Unit runs a school-based
project called Let's Bike for children over the age of 10 to
develop their cycling knowledge and skills. Most cycling accidents
to children happen when they are playing, not on a journey.
How can I protect my bike from
theft?
Reputable bike shops can advise you on the
best locks available. A determined thief will be able to break most
locks although some are more difficult to crack than others. As
well as choosing a good lock, it is always best to leave your
unattended bike in an area that is open to public view. Thieves
have been known to walk away with a bike that is still locked so
attach your bike to an immovable object. For further information
about security systems that can tag your bike and make it easier
for the Police to trace if it is stolen, contact your local Crime
Prevention Officer on 01244 350000 or e-mail postroom@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.
What are the main skills
necessary for safe cycling?
- be seen - this does not just mean wearing
bright clothes (although this obviously helps), it also means
riding on the carriageway in a way that will enable other road
users to see you more easily. Don't 'hug the kerb' where you can be
obscured from view by the edge of a car windscreen, take up a
position about a metre from the kerb (more if possible) if you are
worried about a driver attempting to overtake and squeeze you off
the road.
- be aware - try to make eye contact with
drivers if possible to ensure they have seen you.
- anticipate - try to predict what others around
you are about to do, always assume the worst and be ready to take
evasive action.
How do I recognise a good
quality cycle helmet?
When you choose a helmet make
sure it is CE marked, if manufactured or imported after 30 June
1995, or that it meets one of the following standards: BS6863; ANSI
Z 90.4; AS 2063; SNELL. There will be one or more of these
standards written on the inside of the helmet. It is important to
try on the helmet you are thinking of buying. Make sure it fits
closely to your head and feels comfortable. It should not cover
your ears or restrict your vision and, when the straps are done up,
make sure it cannot be pulled off your head. Once in place the
straps should not come undone easily except by undoing the quick
release buckle. If there is any sign that a helmet has been
damaged, do not buy it.
What do I do if I am involved
in an accident?
Remain calm and polite. Note the precise location of impact and
mark it. Obtain the names and addresses of witnesses and drivers.
Note the registration numbers of vehicles involved. Sketch or
photograph the location, road surface and damaged vehicles/cycles,
noting skid or other marks and debris in the road. Keep the cycle
in its damaged state until you are sure that the incident has been
resolved to your satisfaction. Report the accident to the Police as
soon as possible and seek legal advice.
Can I insure myself and/or my
bicycle in case of loss, injury or damage?
Yes you can! Personal Accident Insurance will cover you in the
event that you injure yourself. You may also find that your home
insurance will include cover for loss of, or damage to, your bike
and accessories, as well as Third Party protection (check the
details carefully). Otherwise, membership of a local or national
cycling organisation may offer you adequate insurance.