Links:
Cycling and the Law

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Cycle Competently, Cycle Confidently

Here are some simple things you can do to ride competently and confidently within the traffic flow:

•    take advantage of training to build your traffic awareness skills, boost your confidence and keep you safer  (see Cycle Training)
•    always look and signal before you start, stop or turn
•    take a bold position in the road, usually about an arms length from the edge of the road space (curb or parked vehicles) in order to see and be seen by other road users.
•    Take the lane at junctions –  move to the middle of the lane at all junctions and where the road is too narrow for you and a vehicle to pass at the same time -  you can see more clearly in all directions than if you let another vehicle come up beside you and block your view and others' view of you – see, be seen and communicate!
•    keep your bike roadworthy and well maintained - particularly the brakes and steering
•    make sure your tyres are in good condition and pumped up properly.
•    make sure you have lights and that they are working, even on a cycle path or shared path. If you go  out in the day without lights you may end up without lights in the dark if you return later than expected. You must use front and rear lights at night (officially 'between sunrise and sunset')
•    wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night (most hi-vis vests have both included)
•    use a rear red reflector and amber reflectors on the pedals
•    fit a bell to your bike to make other road users aware of you if you feel they haven't seen you
•    know your Highway Code, road signs and markings