Cycling to and from work is one of the most convenient methods to include some kind of physical activity into your day. You will also save money on the cost of gas or public transportation thanks to this.
Through the Cycle to Work initiative, you may be eligible to get a discount on the purchase of a bicycle if you do not already own one. If you reside in the Greater London region, you are able to make advantage of the services that are provided by Cycle Hire.
If you have an old bike that has been collecting dust for a while, you should think about bringing it to a specialised bike shop to get it serviced before you ride it on the road to guarantee that it is roadworthy.
Cycling To Work – How To Stay Safe On Your Commute?
If you ride your bike to and from work, it is imperative that you use caution even on the routes you go often. Remember to keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Look behind you before you turn, overtake or stop.
- Use arm signals before you turn right or left.
- Obey traffic lights and road signs.
- Don’t ride on the pavement unless there’s a sign that says you can.
- On busy or narrow roads, don’t cycle next to another person.
- When overtaking parked cars, watch out for car doors opening suddenly and allow room to pass safely.
- Don’t use headphones while cycling.
- Never use a mobile phone while cycling.
Cycling Helmets
Cycling helmets are designed to protect riders from head trauma in the event that they are thrown off their bikes.
It’s important to wear a helmet that meets the following criteria:
- It is marked as meeting the British Standard (BS EN 1078:1997).
- It is a snug fit and positioned squarely on your head. It should sit just above your eyebrows, not tilted back or tipped forwards.
- It is securely fastened by straps, which aren’t twisted, with only enough room for two fingers between your chin and the strap.
- Make sure you replace your helmet every five years. Don’t buy a second-hand helmet – it may be damaged and may not protect you properly.
Lights And Reflectors
If you ride your bike at night or in conditions with poor vision, you are required to have the following items:
- a white front light
- a red rear light
- a red rear reflector
- amber/yellow pedal reflectors – front and back on each pedal
Reflectors fitted to the front and the spokes will also help you be seen.
There are lights available that are either constant or flashing, or a combination of the two (steady at the front and flashing at the back). When riding through regions that do not have enough street lighting, it is crucial to have a steady light at the front of your bike.
Be sure to check that the BS 6102-3 mark is present on any steady light. The British Standard is not required to be met by flashing lights, but the following criteria must be met instead:
- flash at a rate of one to four equal flashes per second
- be at least four candelas in brightness
Your pedal reflectors and rear reflector must be marked with BS 6102-2. You can also use a light or reflector that meets a standard accepted by another European Commission (EC) country (equal to the British Standard).
Additional Lights
You can use other lights as well as the compulsory ones, but they must:
- be the right colour – white at the front, red at the back
- not dazzle other road users
- If they are flashing, it must be at a rate of one to four equal flashes per second.
Locks
It is important to invest in high quality equipment to keep your bike safe.
Be sure to check the details of your insurance policy when buying a lock. Some insurers will not cover loss or theft of a bicycle unless it is secured with a pre-approved lock from select manufacturers.
Only secure your bike to a cycle stand or other immovable object.
