Thursday 26 March 2009

Cycling and the Law (continued)

Wear helmet : Recommended
Wear bright/reflective clothes : Recommended
Use front and rear lights at night : The law!
Have red rear reflector : The law!
Have white front reflector and/or spoke reflectors : Recommended
Have orange pedal reflectors : The law! (if cycle manufactured after 01/10/1985)
Obey traffic signals : The law!
Keep hands/feet on handlebars/pedals : Recommended
Ride no more than two abreast (generally) : Recommended
Ride single file (narrow or busy roads) : Recommended
Do not carry anything that will affect riding : Recommended
Be considerate : The law!
Look and signal before moving : Recommended
Look ahead for hazards (including vehicles turning) : Recommended
Do not carry passengers : The law! (unless cycle designed for more than one rider)
Do not hold on to other moving vehicles : The law!
Do not ride dangerously, carelessly or inconsiderately : The law!
Do not ride whilst under the influence of drink or drugs : The law!
Do not ride on the pavement : The law!
Do not pass red traffic lights : The law!
Use bus lanes : Acceptable (but only if marked for cycle use)
Only turn right when there is a gap in traffic : Recommended
Only cross a solid white line in the middle of the road if vehicle being overtaken is moving less than 10mph : The law!
Take care on roundabouts/dual carriageways : Recommended
Wheel bikes across pedestrian crossings : Recommended
Cross cycle-only crossings only on a green light : The law!

Cycle parking and security:

Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes.

Park your bike safely and considerately.
Make use of cycle parking stands where these are provided. Park your bike where it will not be a hazard, obstruction or inconvenience to other pedestrians - particularly the visually impaired and other disabled people. Allow space for prams and wheelchairs, other cyclists or occupants leaving motor vehicles. Never park in front of a fire exit.

Lock your bike to an immovable object.
Use a proper bike rack/ground anchor or robust street furniture -for example lamp-posts or railings (but observe requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage). Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts.

Lock your bike through the frame and secure removable parts.
Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller parts and accessories that can be removed without tools, for example lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick-release saddles, or fit security fasteners on items such as wheels, headsets and seat posts.

Compiled by PCSO 9551 Elliott-Taylor, any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me via 0845 456 7000.

No comments: