Cycle Accident Claims
Cycle Laws
Lighting requirements. After sunset, you must have at least one white front light, one rear light, one red reflector and, where applicable, four amber pedal reflectors.
LED Lights. It is now legal to ride at night with a white LED light at the front and a red at the rear as your only lights. They must be of at least 4 candela brilliance and flash evenly between 60 and 240 times per minute (flashing to a complicated rhythm is not allowed).
To flash or not to flash? All cycle lights displaying a constant (non-flashing) beam must comply with BS6102/3. It is now much simpler to be legal by flashing than not!
Bridleways. You can cycle on bridleways and byways but on these you must give way to walkers and horse riders.
Cycle Lanes. You can cycle on cycle tracks, cycle lanes and bus lanes if the lane signs include a cycle symbol.
Open Land. You cannot cycle on open land without the permission of the landowner.
Pavements. Don't cycle on pavements or across pedestrian crossings it gives us all a bad name! You may only ride on a path if there is a right for you to do so.
Get Insured
Whilst the risks can be minimised, accidents do happen. We strongly recommend you get insured so that you are protected in the event of an accident or theft. Insurance is available from the Cycle Touring Club (CTC,
www.ctc.org.uk) and other organisations.
Cycle Safety
Bus Lanes. These may be used by cyclists only if the signs include a cycle symbol. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus.
Clothing. You should wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing and/or accessories to help other road users see you.
Don't just get on your bike. Ensure it's safe and check that your brakes, gears, tyres, lights and handlebar controls are working properly and that all bolts are tight.
Ensure your bike is properly adjusted. Wrongly positioned saddles and handlebars are uncomfortable and inefficient.
Helmets. Make sure your helmet is standard-approved with a recognised safety certification - at least EN1078, though preferably a Snell Foundation B90 (or higher) as this is a substantially stronger standard.
Junctions. Make eye contact with other road users at junctions. Make sure they've seen you.
Long vehicles. Hold back as they need a lot of room to manoeuvre. They may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they have completed the manoeuvre. Do not be tempted to ride in the space between them and the kerb.
Earphones. Be aware of you surroundings. Look AND listen. Wearing earphones severely impairs your awareness and ability to react to your surroundings.
Obstructions. Ride well clear of the kerb (about 1 metre) to avoid obstructions such as drains, overhanging branches and rubbish.
Parked Cars. Look well ahead so that you do not have to swerve suddenly. Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened into your path. Ride a straight line between parked vehicles rather than dodging in and out.
Basic Bike Security
Do not leave bikes in isolated places.
Ensure your chains or locks are not in contact with the ground. If they are, thieves can use a hammer or chisel to break through the lock.
Don't leave a gap between your bike and the stand when locking it. A thief could use the gap to insert a tool.
Always lock the wheels and frame to the stand. Use a chain and a D-lock as thieves usually only carry equipment to break one type of lock.
Remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured, especially lights, pumps, computers and quick release saddles.
And remember - more than half of bike theft happens at the owner's home!
FOR ACCIDENT OR LEGAL ADVICE CALL
FREEPHONE 0808 160 5010
Click here for our Cycle Accident Checklist