Cycling Safely

Nottinghamshire County Council

Safer Cycling

It’s not a toy…

Your bike is not a toy!

When you ride your bike you are a ‘road user’. This means you must follow the rules of the road. The rules are there to keep you safe.

Safer Cycling

Spot the signsAll road signs tell you something about the road. Different shapes have

different meanings.

Triangular signs are normally warning signs.

Red circular signs are normally instructions for things you shouldn’t do

Rectangular signs normally give information

Warning of road works

No motor vehicles A sign giving directions

Safer Cycling

This sign means ‘No Pedal

Cycles Allowed’

This sign warns other road users that there may

be cyclists along this route

Spot the signs

Safer Cycling

Signs for CyclistsSome signs are specifically for cyclists and tell us about cycle lanes

and paths

Blue circular signs normally give an instruction of things you can do.

This route is for cyclists only

Segregated route for

cyclists and pedestrians

Shared route for cyclists and pedestrians

Safer Cycling

Signs for cyclists

In some places there are cycle lanes marked on the road.

Where there is a solid white line, no other traffic is allowed in this lane. These routes are often only at specific times and this will be shown on the sign.

This sign shows a route recommended for cyclists along a road. This may have specific times shown on the sign as well.

Safer Cycling

Signs for cyclists

This sign shows that the cycle route is ending and cyclists will have to join the road.

In some places along cycle routes it is safer to get off and walk. Where this sign is shown cyclist should get off and walk.

Joining the Road

Safer Cycling

When there isn’t an ‘off-road’ cycle path cyclists should ride on the road.

When you are going to join a road make sure you stop and check that it is clear for you to do so.

NEVER ride straight into the road, whether its from a driveway or joining when a cycle lane

ends – ALWAYS stop and look to make sure it is clear before you cycle into the carriageway

Safer Cycling

Give Way

There are often give way markings on cycle lanes.

These are shown by a double line of dashes.

In this picture if there is any traffic coming in either direction, you should stop and wait at the dashes, to let it pass, before you cross the junction. This is called ‘giving way’.

Safer Cycling

Crossing with your bikeIn many cases, when you want to cross the road with your bike, the safest thing to do is to get off and walk.

However there are some places where cyclists are allowed to ride across the road.

‘Toucan Crossings’ have lights to control the traffic as well as a red and green man and bicycle to show pedestrians and cyclists when to cross.

Always make sure traffic has stopped before you cross.

Cycling Safely

Safer Cycling

Remember:

Follow the rules of the road

Plan your route to use cycle lanes where possible

When joining a road, always stop and make sure it is safe for you to do so

Often it is safer to get off and walk

Only ride across the road if using a toucan crossing

Nottinghamshire County Council

Safer Cycling