Road safety while cycling to University

Cycling is a great way to get around as it combines a good form of exercise with a free eco-friendly mode of transport. Students are increasingly turning to bicycles as a method to commute to university, however, many look past the crucial safety precautions needed on the roads today. If you’re a keen cyclist, follow these guidelines to ensure you stay safe on the roads and avoid any injuries. 

Protect Yourself 

Cycling protection is a basic essential to road safety. A good quality helmet can save a cyclist’s life and should be worn on-route to protect from serious head injuries. To ensure your helmet is the right size and suitable for your cycling needs, it is important to speak to an expert. 

Most cycling retailers will offer advice on the perfect helmet for you, including head positioning and how to make the correct strap adjustments. To protect yourself even further, we would advise not to wear headphones alongside a helmet as they can become a distraction with tangled wires. 

Be Visible 

The UK’s unpredictable weather means that as a student cycling to lectures throughout the semester, you are likely to face dark mornings and gloomy evenings. In these cases, you need to make yourself visible to road users. 

High-vis clothing is the most effective method, and can be purchased from Halfords and other cycling retailers. Rear reflectors and light sets, which are now lawfully required, similarly provide visibility. Their universal flashing features are also a great way to be seen from a distance at night, often more effective than wearing high-vis cycle wear. 

Bicycle Maintenance 

Keeping your bicycle maintained can save you a lot of time and money in repairs, but also increase your road safety, lowering the risk of cycling accidents in varying weather conditions. Before every trip, it is advised that you ensure the bicycle tyres are pumped up to their stated PSI, your braking system is of good standard, and all bolts are tightened. 

If you’re a cyclist without much experience in mechanics, you may want to establish a service plan with a specialist retailer. Having a substantial locking system for your bicycle is further crucial when commuting to university, as there is always a potential risk of theft at public racking points. D-locks are reliable and can be bought from cycling stores for as little as £15. 

Road Safety 

As a road cyclist, you need to know the laws surrounding road safety. The use of cycling lanes is arguably the most important rule, as the facilities are there to ensure that users stay safe from other vehicles. 

Road positioning in cycle lanes will further maximise your vision, allowing you to anticipate the movements of those around you. The Highway Code states that cyclists must abide by all road traffic signs, as well as explaining various road facility rules and offering visibility guidelines. Cyclists with little knowledge of The Highway Code may therefore find it beneficial to refer to the gov.co.uk website here