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Safety and Training

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Road Safety & Highway Code

As a cyclist, it is important to know the highway code to make sure that you are riding safely and considerately on the road and cycle paths. You are not allowed to cycle on the pavement, unless there are signs to show that it is a shared path, so please sign up for some cycle training if you do not feel comfortable cycling on the road.

Remember that as a cyclist, you must:

  • Not cycle on the pavement, unless it is a dedicated cycle path
  • Obey all traffic light signals and zebra crossings
  • Cycle the correct way along one-way streets
Cycling Highway Code
Top tips for cycling safely

Top tips for cycling safely:

  • Fit your bike with lights and reflectors when riding in the dark, front lights/reflectors must be white and back lights/reflectors must be red
  • Use your position on the road to discourage cars from over taking when it is not safe by moving into the middle of the lane
  • Wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing to increase visibility, especially in the dark
  • Wear a helmet that is correctly sized and securely fastened
Cycling Highway Code
Colchester Cycling Campaign, photo by Seana Hughes
Colchester Cycling Campaign, photo by Seana Hughes
Adult Bikeability training
Adult Cycle Training

Essex County Council offer a range of cycle training courses for all ages and levels of confidence. Training is 1-to-1 and delivered in a location of your choosing. Adult and family cycle training is currently offered for FREE so take advantage of this offer while it lasts!

Even experienced cyclists benefit from taking the advance cycling course, read about other cyclist’s experiences below.

Essex Cycle Training
Bikeability level 2 training
Child Cycle Training

Bikeability offer courses for children from learning to ride to cycling with confidence on the road. Most primary schools offer Bikeability Level 1 & 2 in Year 5 or 6 so check with your child’s school or find out about school holiday courses from the link below.

 

Bikeability Courses
Experiences from adult cycle training

“Doing the Bikeability level three helped me to understand how to ride safely and use my position on the road with confidence.”

Kim Barnetson

“I have just finished my 3rd session with Derek Hartley and I wish I had known about the sessions years ago. Derek boosted my confidence on my new (electric) bike and helped me with manoeuvrability, road sense and general cycling etiquette. I couldn’t be more pleased with my progress and his reassurance and I now have a lot more confidence to be out and about on my bike.”

JP

“Even as a cyclist with over 50 years experience, I still learnt new things. For example the importance of adopting the primary position in the road when approaching junctions which deters impatient motorists from over taking and cutting me up.”

Paul Byrne

Get the most from your ride

Bike Security Make sure that you keep your bike safe when out and about and at home Find out more Bike Maintenance Check out our short maintenance videos and find out where you can get help. Find out more Bike Parking Find out where you can park your bike when out and about. Find out more Reporting an Issue Find out how and where to report issues such as potholes. Find out more