Author: Kieron McNab

Sincil
Sports
College

SINCIL SPORTS COLLEGE, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN, LN5 8EL
Tel. 01522 869508 Fax. 01522 536190

2.

It is important that you make sure your bike is safe to ride before going on a journey. Your brakes should be working well and not rubbing against the tyres. The tyres should be pumped up to make cycling easier and to reduce the chance of getting a puncture. Adjust the seat height so that the balls of your feet can touch the floor. Your chain should be well oiled to prevent rust and the chance of it coming off. Finally your handlebars should be straight and shouldn’t twist without the front tyre turning.

If you have to carry anything on your bicycle, use a basket or a cycle bag.
Make sure you don’t wear any loose clothing to prevent it getting caught in the chain.
Always wear a properly fitting helmet which is the correct size and
securely fastened to protect your head.
Wear light coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and at dusk and reflective clothing at night.
Do not ride a bike that is too big or small as it can affect your balance.

You should wear reflective clothing and accessories i.e. belts, arm and ankle bands.
You cannot cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back. Check these are clean and working. You are allowed to have a red flashing back light.

In some area cycle routes, paths and lanes are available for cyclists.

Recommend route for pedal cycles

Cycles only

Network route for pedal cycles

Separate cycle & pedestrians

Cycle Lane

3.

Before making a manoeuvre such as turning right and left or stopping you must look behind and make sure it is safe before giving a clear arm signal to tell other road users what you are doing.
You are not allowed to ride on the pavement unless there is a special sign showing that there is a cycle lane you can use.
Before you start riding your bike on the road, you must look all around for traffic. This will help you make the decision about moving off safely.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars covering the brakes unless
signalling or changing gears. This will help you to keep your balance and improve your emergency stopping.
Take care around large vehicles such as lorries and buses as the drivers may not be able to see you. Make sure you can always clearly see one mirror. Do not ride in the space between the kerb and the large vehicle in case they want to turn left.
When turning from one road onto another, pedestrians who are crossing a road have priority so you must let them cross the road. Pedestrians always have priority if they are already in the road.
Using a personal stereo or a mobile phone when cycling can distract your attention and cause you to miss something so therefore shouldn’t be used.
You must obey traffic light signals and road signals when riding as well as any signals made by people in authority i.e. police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols.
You must not hold onto any other vehicle.
You cannot carry another passenger on your bike unless it is specifically
designed to do so.
You should never lead an animal whilst cycling.
Never ride more than two abreast and ride single file on busy or narrow roads and around blind corners or bends.
When riding you should be far enough away from the edge of the kerb to avoid drains and gutters (normal riding position).
Before overtaking vehicles, make sure it is safe to do so by looking behind and looking for on coming traffic in front. When overtaking parked cars make sure you pass more than one door width away from the car in case a door opens and be aware that the car might pull away again. This is the only time that you can ride on the wrong side of the road. Also be aware that
pedestrians may cross at the other end of the car.

NO CYCLING

Where you see this sign

4.

When parking your bicycle, make sure it is not in the way of other people. Remember to lock it to prevent it being stolen.

You must always stop to let pedestrians cross the road at a pedestrian crossing.

Take care when cycling near animals such as horses and give them plenty of room as your pass by.
Don’t scare them by shouting or ringing your bell as they could injure someone.

Numbers represent the order of traffic lights

1.

2.

3.

4.

RED
STOP and wait behind the stop line

RED AND
AMBER
Also means STOP

GREEN
ARROW
If a GREEN arrow is shown you may travel in that
direction if it is safe to do so

GREEN
GO if it is safe to do so

AMBER
Also means STOP

FLASHING RED
Mean you MUST STOP e.g. at a level crossing

FLASHING AMBERS
Means you must give way to pedestrians who may be crossing the road

5.

Give way to vehicles on the major road

STOP at the stop line every time

Box Junction
Do not move into the box unless your exit road or lane is clear

Lane Line

Centre Line

Hazard Warning Line

Do Not Cross Double White Lines

Do Not Cross Solid Line If It Is On Your Side

Do Not Enter Marked Area Unless It Is Safe To Do So

School Entrance Which Must Be Kept Clear

If you feel unsafe before cycling onto a roundabout, stop and walk your bike on the path. When entering a roundabout you must give way to traffic coming from the right hand side. Watch for road users who may want to turn in front of you.

Only cycle in bus lanes if there is a cycle shown on the sign.

6.

There are three different shapes of road signs:
Circular signs give orders which must be obeyed.
Triangular signs give warnings.
Rectangular signs give information.

These signs are mostly circular

These two sign aren’t circular but must still be obeyed

Give Way to traffic on a major road

Stop and Give Way

Signs with blue circles usually tell you what you MUST do

Keep
Left

Ahead
Only

Mini
Roundabout

Turn Left Ahead

Signs with red circles usually tell you NOT to do something

No entry for vehicles

No
vehicles

No motor
vehicles

No right
turn

7.

Commonly
Triangular

Pedestrian
crossing ahead

Two way traffic ahead

Uneven Road

Roundabout

Road narrows on both sides

Danger

Road works

Cycle route ahead

Slippery Road

School crossing patrol ahead

Step hill
downwards

Crossroads

Traffic signals ahead

Usually rectangular signs

Recommended route for cyclist to the place shown

One way street

Tourist Attraction

Directions on a sign located on an
approach to a junction

Route for pedestrians to a location

8.

What materials can make you more visible when riding at night?
What materials can make you more visible when riding during the day?
What can protect your head whilst cycling?
How can clothing be dangerous?
Where should your hands be when riding?
When is the only time your hands are not on the handlebars.
What must you always do before signalling?
If you are out with friends on a busy road, what is the safest way to ride?
Give two reasons why parked cars can be dangerous?
What colour light at the back of the car shows it is reversing?
What colour light at the back of the car shows it is slowing down or stopping?
What does a green traffic light mean? (not just one word please)
What does a red and / or amber light mean?
What does a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing mean?
Can you cycle on the pavement?
Why is it a good idea to have a bell fitted to your cycle?
What should you do when leaving your cycle anywhere?