Cyclists

• Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing and always use lights after dark or in poor weather conditions.
• Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.
• Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodging between them.
• Don't jump red lights.
• Don't ride on pavements.
• Don't ride the wrong way up one-way streets, unless there's a sign saying cyclists can.
• Don't ride across pedestrian crossings.

• Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.
• Watch for cyclists on the inside when you turn left.
• Always look for cyclists before opening a car door.
• Give cyclists turning right extra consideration.
• Don't squeeze past cyclists - give them space, at least half a car's width.
• Don't dazzle cyclists - use dipped headlights, the way you would with another car.
• Don't get annoyed when cyclists ride away from the kerb - they need to avoid drains and potholes, and be seen as they come to junctions with side roads.

• Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists - drivers have the major responsibility to take care. Rain, wind and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclists.
• Cyclists can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving. They have a right to space on the road and need extra room at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction.
• Cyclists ride away from the kerb, not to annoy motorists but to:
• avoid drains, potholes and debris
• be seen as they come to junctions with side roads
• discourage drivers from squeezing past when it's too narrow
• Cyclists turning right are exposed - and need extra consideration from motorists, especially on multi-lane roads with fast-moving traffic.
• Cyclists can be forced into faster traffic - by vehicles parked in cycle lanes, at junctions or on double yellow lines.
• Cyclists are dazzled by full-beam headlights, like everyone else.
• Cyclists can be fast movers - 20mph or more.

• Think bike. Expect to see cyclists, and take care.
• Slow down and drive smoothly. Keep within speed limits. Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.
• Signal: always at roundabouts and every time you pass a cyclist.
• Watch for riders on the inside when you turn left. Don't cut them up.
• Give cyclists space - at least half a car's width - and never force past them.
• Be patient - a few seconds for a cyclist hardly affects your total journey time.
• Right-turning cyclists need space and time.
• Park considerately. Always look for cyclists before opening a car door.
• Use dipped headlights.
• Expect speed from bikes. Think of a bike as a vehicle - it is.

• Motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavement.
• Motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and may have less time to take account of hazards.
• Motorists may not always see cyclists.
• Motorists are made uneasy when cyclists seem hesitant, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes.
• Motorists can feel delayed by cyclists.
• Motorists don't always understand that some road surfaces, junctions or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclists.

• Follow the Highway Code. Don't
• jump red lights
• ride on pavements (unless they are shared paths)
• ride the wrong way in one-way streets (unless signs say that cyclists are permitted to do so)
• ride across pedestrian crossings
• Think ahead. Anticipate drivers' actions. Catch their eye.
• Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing, and always use lights after dark or in poor day-time visibility.
• Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn. Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodge between them.
• Move over, when it's safe and convenient. Two-abreast is often OK, but try not to hold up other traffic.
• Ride positively and decisively. It helps motorists to understand what you plan to do.