Cycle Right A guide to safer cycling - www.westsussex.gov.uk 01243 642105 - West Sussex County Council
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Cycle Right
A guide to safer cycling
www.westsussex.gov.uk · 01243 642105
Safety advice
Cycle Right
Contents before you ride
Your bike and you
Safety advice2
Parents page 3
› Make sure your bike is the right size and well maintained
Bikeability Training Scheme 4 (see ‘M Check’ on page 6).
Bikeability Level › At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear
1 & 2 Outcomes 5 lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector
(and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after
‘M’ Check 6 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will
also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted
Starting and finishing but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in
an on road journey 7 areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
Overtaking and passing › You MUST NOT cycle on the pavement, unless there
side roads 8 is a designated cycle path/shared use path.
Turning left
Turning right 10
9
Clothing
› It is advisable to wear a cycle helmet at all
Bikeability Level 3 11 times. For children taking part in our Bikeability
courses, a cycle helmet is compulsory
Be aware of blind spots 11 › Wear bright clothes with fluorescent strips or accessories.
Before you set off cycling 12 › Wearing fluorescent items helps you to
be seen only during the day.
Planning your journey 13
› Reflective items work at night.
Highway code
question paper 14
Keeping your bike safe
and secure
Consent form 15
› Have your bike security marked. More infomation
can be found at www.bikeregister.com
› Buy a good cycle lock and use it every time
you leave your bicycle unattended.
Parking sensibly
› Always park your bike safely. Make sure it is not in
anyone’s way or likely to fall over and injure somebody.
› Lock it on to something secure, such
as railings, or a cycle stand.
Acknowledgements: Photos kindly supplied by: Clive Williams, Clare Faulkner, Martin Child and
Dave Perris. Our thanks also go to all those featured in photographs throughout the magazine,
especially the pupils of Midhurst Primary School and Barnham Primary School.
2 West Sussex County Council does not support or recommend the products or services advertised nor the organisations advertising them. Readers should satisfy themselves about any of these products or services and
on the nature and standing of these organisations. West Sussex County Council will not be liable for any damages or losses howsoever caused by any person who relies on the information contained in this guide.
Mums and dads - can you
remember doing your
Cycling Proficiency?
Well, Bikeability is the all new There are three levels Level Three Bikeability Level
cycle training scheme for the to Bikeability: 3 equips riders with the skill
21st century. Many adults will and confidence to ride in more
remember doing their Cycling Level One The Bikeability challenging road and traffic
Proficiency Test, but Bikeability Level 1 course aims to develop situations – busier streets,
is designed to give the next mastery in cycle handling in queuing traffic, complex
generation the skills and an off-road environment and junctions and roundabouts.
confidence to ride their bikes on prepare riders for cycling on It also includes planning
today’s roads. Cycling is healthy the road. Riders must be able routes for safe cycling.
and fun but it is necessary to to cycle (i.e. pedal and glide) to
learn how to do it safely. This participate in Bikeability Level 1. More children cycling, more
is why Bikeability Level 2 is safely and more often has
Level Two Bikeability Level huge benefits. It will lead
being offered to all pupils in 2 will develop riders’ skills
Year 6 or 7 across West Sussex. to improved health and
and confidence for cycling fitness, reduced congestion
on single-lane roads and and pollution and hopefully
simple junctions with mostly more Olympic champions!
moderate motor traffic flows,
preparing riders to deal with More information can be found
short journeys such as cycling at: www.bikeability.org.uk
to school or the local shops.
3
Bikeability Training Scheme
Parent/Guardian Information
A Bikeability combined Level Insurance
1 and 2 training course
has been arranged at With the exception of those
your child’s school attending academies and
private schools, each child
The course is outcome based participating in Bikeability
and trainees will be assessed training will be automatically
throughout the course. In insured under the School
order to progress to Level 2 Journey Insurance Policy.
participants must meet all Level Parents of children attending
1 skills which will be assessed academies and private schools
at the start of the course. should talk to their school
for insurance arrangements.
Trainees taking part will receive
The policy is only valid
a badge and certificate.
once the trainees have left
Each certificate will contain the school premises.
feedback for parents and
Ǧ In order to take part in the
highlight any areas where
Level 2 on road training,
further practice is needed.
your child must be able to
ride their bike with proper
t Your consent must be
control and balance and
given on the Parent/
be able to use any gears
Guardian Information and
that are fitted to the bike.
Consent Form which must
be returned to school
as soon as possible.
Important Note:
It is essential that your child
Please be aware... attends their session with a
In the interest of safety, the roadworthy bicycle and an
Road Safety Team reserves the approved correctly fitted
right to decline training to any helmet. They will have received
trainee who does not meet the information prior to the course
basic requirements or whose starting, detailing how and
behaviour may put at risk the what to check on their bicycle.
safety of other people, including
Instructors may refuse training
- instructors, volunteers, other
to anyone who does not comply
trainees or themselves.
with this important request.
Should you need to discuss
any issues relating to the
Bikeability training, please
contact the Road Safety
Team and not the school.
4
Bikeability Level 1 and 2
Outcomes
During training you will learn to: Your child will also learn to:
› Make good and frequent › Prepare for a journey
observations,
› Check cycle is ready for a journey
› Choose and maintain the most
suitable riding positions, › Set off, slow down and stop
› Communicate intentions › Pedal
clearly to other road users, › Identify and respond to hazards
› Understand priorities on the › Start and stop on road journeys
road- particularly at junctions
› Maintain suitable riding positions
› Comply with signals, signs
and road markings
› Communicate with other road users
› Negotiate junctions
5
‘M’ Check
Before setting out on any journey, it is important to check your bike, to make sure that
it is safe and in good condition. The following should be checked before you ride:
3
7
8
2 4
9
5
1
6 10
1 Front wheel/tyre: › Check the cables 5 Bottom bracket › Ensure the saddle is
are not frayed. cranks, pedals and chain: fitted correctly and at
› Check the wheel
› Ensure that you can › Ensure the bearings are the correct angle.
spins freely without
operate the brake not loose or seized on › Make sure the saddle
rubbing against the
levers easily. the bottom bracket. is not raised past the
forks or brakes.
› Check the quick release 3 Headset and › Make sure the cranks ‘limit mark’ and is
levers or wheel nuts handlebars: are not loose on the securely clamped.
are fully tightened. › Make sure the handlebars bottom bracket. 8 Rear brakes:
› Check the tyres are do not turn independently › Inspect the chain
› Four checks as per
not worn and there of the front wheel. ring for damage.
front brake (see 2).
are no bald patches. › If the handlebars have › Pedals should not be
been raised ensure damaged, check for loose 9 Rear brakes:
› Ensure the tyres are
pumped up hard. that they are not raised or seized bearings. › Six checks as per
› Check the inner tube past the ‘limit mark’. › Ensure chain is oiled and front wheel (see 1).
valve is straight. › Ensure handlebars not too loose or too tight.
10 Rear gears:
› Ensure there are no are clamped firmly 6 Front gears:
in the stem. › Ensure the rear derailleur
loose or broken spokes. › Ensure the front derailleur
› The handlebars works correctly and the
2 Front brake: works correctly and the gears change smoothly.
should be aligned
› Look at the brake blocks; gears change smoothly.
with the front wheel. t Check for and fix any unsafe
they should grip the › Ensure that the end 7 Saddle: accessories – mudguards,
side of the wheel rim plugs are inserted in the › Ensure the saddle is at
racks, reflectors, locks,
exactly when the brake chain guards etc.
end of the handlebars. the correct height (you
levers are applied. should be able to touch t Please note that it is the
4 Frame and forks:
› If the brake blocks the ground with both
responsibility of parents/
are worn down they › Check for damage on guardians to ensure that
feet at the same time.) bikes are checked and
should be replaced. the frame and forks.
roadworthy before the
› Look for cracks and rust.
start of the course.
6Cycle Helmets
Cycle helmets can be fun, Make sure your helmet is
fashionable and, although fitted correctly and always
they don’t stop crashes, they fastened securely:
could help save your life
if you have an accident. › The helmet and straps
should not cover your ears,
If you don’t have a cycle helmet, but the two straps should
7
your local cycle shop can help meet just under your ears,
you. Make sure it meets one holding the helmet securely
of the following standards: over your forehead.
› EN1078 › The helmet must not
restrict your vision.
› BS6863
› The helmet must fit snugly
› Snell B90 (or higher) and feel comfortable.
› Any ASTM number
Remember:
Helmets are designed to absorb only one impact. If you
drop your helmet, or have an accident whilst wearing it, you
should replace it. Check for cracks and chips before each
use. A damaged helmet may not protect you in a collision.
4
Starting an on-road journey
1. Check that it
is suitable to
place your bike in the
2. Sit on your
bike with your
left foot on the kerb
3. Look all around,
including
behind over your right
4. Set off into
the stream
of traffic whilst
road where you can (where there is one), shoulder to see if it is observing all around.
see and be seen and have your brakes suitable to move off.
covered. Your right
foot should be on the
pedal in the 2 o’clock
“START POSITION”
ready to push down
for a smooth start. 7Finishing an on-road journey
Looking behind you is important before you
stop. You must be able to look behind without
losing your balance or control of your bike.
Try to stop where you will not be in the way of other
traffic or pedestrians trying to cross the road.
Before pulling in to the left to stop, you must
look behind for close following traffic that may
be about to overtake or undertake you.
Where the road is very narrow and overtaking
is difficult, you should slow down gradually,
where possible having first made eye contact
with any close following rider/driver. If a cyclist
or motorcyclist is following behind, a look
over the left shoulder may be appropriate.
Emergency Stop
In an emergency you must be able to
stop quickly without skidding or losing
control. Practise this away from traffic.
4
Overtaking
If you need to overtake a parked 3 Give enough room to clear
vehicle, or something else in the obstacle. If there are several
your way follow these tips: cars parked along your way,
1 Look around, especially ride past them in a straight line
– do not zig-zag in and out.
ahead and behind, over
your right shoulder, prior to 4 Return to your correct
moving road position. position as soon as you have
gone past the obstacle.
2 You must now decide:
3
› if it is suitable to gradually move
out, around the obstacle, or
› If it is not. In this case, slow
down and stop behind the
obstacle. Put pedal in “start
position”, check around for traffic
2 and, when it is suitable move
out and around the obstacle.
1
8Passing Watch
side roads out for...
When approaching a side road, › Doors of parked cars opening.
you should always look as far as › People or animals darting out
possible into that road, to check from behind parked cars.
for vehicles at or approaching
the junction. Do this as early › Other cyclists – they may
as you can. You should also wobble or change direction
look behind, to see if a following as you overtake them.
vehicle may be turning left. › Parked vehicles moving off or
If you are unsure or there is reversing without warning.
traffic that may be emerging from Clues to look out for are:
the side road, you should adjust
› A driver in the vehicle, indicators
your position by riding further
flashing, exhaust smoke.
out as you pass the junction.
› White reversing lights at the back.
Turning left 4
4 Minor road to Major road 3
When you turn left from a side
Major road to road to a main road, you MUST
Minor road 3 stop and give way to any traffic
2
travelling on the main road.
This is the easiest turning
manoeuvre. Practise this one first. 1 Look behind over your right
2 shoulder and if necessary, give a
1 As you approach the junction,
clear “I intend to turn left” signal.
look behind over your right
shoulder. If necessary, give a 2 Take up an appropriate
clear “I intend to turn left” signal. 1
1 position in the road to prevent
vehicles from behind moving
2 Move gradually across
up alongside at the junction.
to the centre of your lane.
This will prevent you from 3 As you approach the junction, you should start
being overtaken by following vehicles. checking for traffic on the major road, especially
from the right. Adjust your speed as appropriate.
3 Return your hand to the handlebar
and slow down. Keep looking ahead 4 If the junction is a ‘give way’ you only
and at the road you are turning into. need to stop if there is traffic approaching
from the right. If the junction has a stop sign,
4 Just before turning, you may choose to
you must stop in an appropriate position away
carry out a final look over your left shoulder
from the kerb and put your pedal in the start
for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. This
position, ready to move off once clear.
is essential if you have adjusted your position
and moved further out to take the corner. 9Turning right
5
4
Minor road to Major road 4
1 As you approach the junction,
look behind over your right
3 shoulder. If necessary, give a clear 3
“I intend to turn right” signal.
2 Move gradually across to Major road to
2 the centre of your lane. This
will prevent you from being Minor road
overtaken by following vehicles. 1 As you approach
the junction, look
1 3 Return your hand to the
behind over your right
handlebar and start checking
shoulder. If necessary,
for traffic on the major road.
give a clear “I intend
4 If the junction is a ‘give way’, you only to turn right” signal.
2
need to stop and give-way if there is traffic 2 Move gradually
approaching on the major road. If the
1 across to the centre
junction has a stop sign, you should stop at
of your lane or into
the line, put your pedal in the start position
the flow of traffic.
and wait until it is safe to make the turn.
3 Return your hand to the handlebar
5 When safe, cycle straight across and
and keep checking oncoming traffic.
turn right. Do not cut the corner.
4 If there is traffic approaching, you
should stop opposite the centre line of the
minor road and put your pedal in the start
position. It may also be a good idea to signal
whilst waiting. Once traffic has passed, give
a final check over your right shoulder and
make your turn. If there is no oncoming
traffic, carry out a final check over your right
shoulder before completing your turn.
Once you have completed your turn,
you should take up your normal riding
position, taking into account any hazards
in the road you have turned into.
The final check over your right shoulder
before completing your turn is to check
for vehicles that may be attempting
to overtake you on your outside.
10Bikeability Level 3
Cyclist Training
Training will cover:
› Plan a journey
› Plan to and ride
assertively every where
cycling is permitted
› Maintain suitable
riding positions
The Bikeability Level 3 course Successful demonstration of › Pass queuing traffic and
aims to develop riders’ skills National Standard assessment use junctions controlled by
and confidence so they can ride criteria in Bikeability Level 2 is traffic lights (if present)
in diverse road environments, a prerequisite for participation › Use cycle infrastructure and
including complex, often busy in Bikeability Level 3. multi lane roads (if present)
roads and junctions, sometimes Ride on roads with speeds
with speed limits above 30 mph. above 30 mph (if present).
For more information or to arrange training please go to: www.westsussex.gov.uk/cycletraining
Be aware of Blind Spots
HGVs have blind spots where
the drivers are not able to see
cyclists. Cycling up the inside
of turning buses and HGVs
at bends or junctions can be
very dangerous and could
result in fatal consequences.
The risk exists wherever
large vehicles might cross If you have stopped and a stationary traffic), you should
your path and particularly HGV pulls up directly behind do so on the right hand
where cycle facilities run or alongside you, consider side. It is also important to
inside the turning path. moving if the driver cannot remember that should you
actually see you from the cab decide to filter through traffic
Do not rely on vehicles to a position where they can. that you avoid doing this on
indicating. Learn to recognise the approach to a junction.
the warning signs: HGVs often Remember, if you are behind
move right first to clear the a large vehicle and you Rule 167 of the Highway
corner as they turn left. When cannot see the driver in Code says ‘Do not overtake
overtaking cyclists, HGV and his rear view mirror, then where you might come into
bus drivers can find it hard to they cannot see you. conflict with other road users’.
judge when to pull back in. For example, approaching
Should you decide to filter or at a road junction on
Stop pedalling and prepare to
through traffic (‘filtering’ either side of the road.
brake, if necessary, to help them
means moving past slow or
get past as quickly as possible. 11Before you On your
set off cycling bike...
› Always wear a cycle helmet that is the › Always keep both hands on the handle bars
correct size and securely fastened – it will unless you are signalling or changing gears.
help to protect your head if you fall off. › When turning from one road to another,
› Help other road users to see you. Wear light pedestrians who are crossing that
coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight, road have the priority, so give way.
at dusk and something reflective at night. › You must obey traffic light signals and road
› Do not ride a bike that is too big or signs and the signals made by police officers,
small as it can affect your balance. traffic wardens or school crossing patrols.
› You must not hold onto any other
Pedestrian vehicle or another cyclist.
› You must not carry a passenger on your cycle
crossings
unless it is specially designed to do so.
› You should never lead an
animal whilst cycling.
› You must stop for pedestrians
at zebra crossings.
› You must stop for the red light at the traffic
lights, including those at crossings.
Cycling near
animals
› Be careful when cycling near horses
and other animals. Give them
plenty of room as you go by.
› Don’t scare them by sounding your bell
or horn; they could injure someone.
When you are next out in a car,
look at the cyclists. Are there times
when you can’t see them? Which
ones are easier to see and why?
12These signs show the
different routes...
Cycles only Shared with Separate cycle
pedestrians and pedestrians
Recommended Cycle lane Bus lanes
routes for cycles Only cycle in bus lanes if there
is a cycle shown on the sign.
Planning
your journey
Before setting out on your Crossing the road
bike, think about the trip
and make sure it is safe. DO NOT ride across a pelican,
puffin or zebra crossing.
› Wherever possible, use Get off and wheel
cycle lanes.Take care and your cycle across.
remember these are often
shared with pedestrians. Toucan crossings
› Take extra care at junctions These are light-controlled
and roundabouts and crossings that allow cyclists
use clear hand signals. and pedestrians to cross
at the same time.
› Always double check
it is safe before cycling They are operated by
onto a main road. pushing buttons.
› Consider using our Cycle Pedestrians and cyclists will
Journey Planner see the green signal together.
or travelwestsussex.co.uk Cyclists can ride across.
13Just for fun! Test yourself
with what you have learned
1. Which material is 3. When starting off, Draw a line to
more visible at night? what position do you match each sign
a. Reflective n put your pedal into? with the correct
b. Fluorescent n a. 6 o’clock n definition:
b. 3 o’clock n
2. When braking, which order
do you pull the brakes on? c. 2 o’clock n No cycling
a. Front brake then d. 12 o’clock n
the back brake n 4. When are you allowed to Ahead only
b. Back brake only n cycle on the pavement?
c. Both brakes together n a. Never n
d. Front brake only n b. When you are a learner n No motor
vehicles
c. When there are
special signs allowing
you to do so n Hump back
d. Whenever you like n bridge
14Parent/Guardian information
and consent form
t Please read carefully before signing. To the Road Safety Officer:
Enter name here
I consent to (name of child):
Enter date of birth
Date of Birth:
Taking part in a Bikeability Scheme at (name of school)
Enter the name of your school here.
Part or all of which will take place on the public highway.
› Does your child, or anyone in your household Yes No
have Covid-19 symptoms?
› Has your child, or someone in their household had
Covid-19 symptoms in the last 14 days? Yes No
› Does your child have access to a bike and helmet for their sole
use during the course? (we are currently unable to lend bikes & Yes No
helmets or allow for the sharing of bikes during the course)
› Is the bike in a road worthy condition & does the helmet fit
Yes No
correctly? - see pages 6 and 7 in the Cycle Right Booklet.
› Does your child require medication to be with them
whilst riding, and can they carry and administer this Yes No
medication themselves? If so, please give details.
State medication needs here.
› Any other health, medical or support needs and information?
Or any other relevant or useful information on the participant? Yes No
State other health, medical or support needs and information. Or any
other relevant or useful information on the participant here.
I understand that the cycle is taken on to school premises at my risk. I will undertake to
ensure that the cycle is in roadworthy condition and will ensure my child wears a correctly
fitted cycle helmet which is in good condition and conforms to British Safety Standards.
Parent/Guardian signature Date
Personal information contained in this form will be used by West Sussex County Council for the purposes of the indicated training course only and will
not be shared with third parties. Your information will not be stored or held on file. At the end of the training course, this consent form will be deleted 15
in accordance with our data retention policies. For more information please see our privacy policy www.westsussex.gov.uk/privacy-policy/You can also read
