RSA – Cyclist Safety – Cycle Safe

Cycling is a common means of transport in Ireland. It’s popular for several reasons: it’s great exercise, it’s cheap and it cuts down on travel time, especially during rush-hour.

But cyclists are also a vulnerable category of road user. Every year there are several cycling fatalities on Irish roads and countless collisions involving cyclists.

As a cyclist, you can reduce your risk of death or injury by following the simple advice in this video

Cycling’s great! As a cyclist you are doing everyone on the road a favour You’re reducing pollution, easing traffic congestion and getting some exercise while reducing your fuel bill So we all need to look after our cyclists

But cyclists have to look after themselves too, by using clear signals and applying the correct procedure for making turns When turning left, keep close to the left hand side of the road and signal your turn in good time

When turning, don’t swing out into the road and watch out for pedestrians Never cycle between another left turning vehicle and the curb, stay well behind it and let it go Remember that all vehicles have blind spots

And be sure to keep well clear of buses and trucks near junctions, as they are likely to cut the turn Take extra care when turning right Plan your turn well in advance Look back, signal clearly, then look back again before you move towards the centre of the road

When you reach the junction; stop, look right, look left and if the way is clear then proceed checking both directions while being aware of the possibility of traffic coming from behind

If it is safe to go signal again and make the turn, staying well to the left as you enter the lane If a car is approaching, be sure to make eye contact with the driver before making the turn If you can’t make eye contact, the driver may not have seen you

So it would be safer to wait until the car has passed Likewise, on steep or busy roads,or where you don’t feel confident about turning right don’t worry, simply get off your bike and walk it across the road Also, try and avoid cycling on tram tracks as your wheels might get caught

Other metal surfaces, like manhole covers, can also be very slippery in the rain When approaching a roundabout be aware that drivers may not see you easily Ride positively and decisively and watch out for vehicles crossing your path as they leave or enter the roundabout

Signal clearly on entry to the roundabout, and while on it, as to which exits you are heading for Command the lane and adopt a position that would prevent other vehicles overtaking unsafely Take extra care when cycling across exits Give plenty of room to long vehicles as they need more space

If in doubt, maintain a safe distance directly behind them Following these simple rules will allow you to enjoy all that cycling has to offer without the worry If you are in any doubt about how you should be riding on the roads

Have another look at the rules of the road, which is also available online Cycle Smart, Cycle Safe