Safety on your bike

The idea that cycling is not safe can put some people off cycling. To put this perception into context, it is worth knowing that, despite the risk of having an accident, cyclists can expect to live longer than less active people thanks to the health and fitness benefits that regular cycling brings.

The headline outcomes of a 1992 BMA report bear repeating. On average, cyclists live ten years longer than non-cyclists. The benefits of cycling outweigh the disbenefits 20:1.

So cycling is safer than not cycling. While tens of thousands die of heart disease and other couch potato ailments, "only" tens die on bikes in London.

Nevertheless, roads in Britain (which have for the most part been designed with only motorists in mind) can present hazards to the inexperienced cyclist. In the long term, we are campaigning for all roads to be made safe for cycling at all times - an immediate improvement would be a 20mph speed limit on all residential roads.

Meanwhile, a few sensible tips on how to cycle safely on today’s roads:

Do be assertive and maintain a good position in the road, well out from the kerb and giving a wide berth to parked cars. Remember, you have every RIGHT to be on the road, and if you are in the field of vision of the motorist behind you, s/he is more likely to see you.

Do read Cyclecraft, the complete guide to safe and enjoyable cycling for adults and children, available from http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/

Do think about getting some professional cycle training

Do make sure your bike is well maintained – if you don’t want to do it yourself, click here for a list of cycle shops in Merton all of which offer bike repairs and servicing.

Do wear bright or fluorescent clothing to be more visible to other road users.

Do take extra care in the rain or in poor light.

Do use front and rear lights - these are a legal requirement after dark.

Do observe the Highway Code - this also helps the reputation of cycling in general.

Do use cycle lanes.

Do get your children signed up for the council run cycle proficiency courses.

Do get off and walk if, for instance, you are not confident about a difficult junction.

Don't be aggressive or try to cycle too fast.

A cycle helmet (if properly fitted) can provide some protection, and is recommended for children under 12 (more likely to fall, softer heads). However, we are actively campaigning against compulsory helmet wearing.

The real safety problem…

… lies of course with motorists and lorries, the source of the danger. Tempting though it sometimes is, individual direct action is not recommended. It has led to fatalities. To do something practical, the best thing is to join the MCC and help campaign for real road safety. This means:

More widespread use of 20mph limits - we are campaigning for a 20mph norm in all residential areas across Merton and London.

Effective enforcement of existing speed limits.

Courts to take death and injury caused by road traffic "accidents" seriously.

More high quality (ie meeting current design standards) cycle routes.

Effective maintenance and improvements to existing cycle routes.

Transfer of freight traffic to rail and sea.

Serious government action, backed by legislation, to cut road traffic levels.

What motorists can do for cyclists:

Always keep within speed limits, and slow down for cyclists where necessary.

Think Bike: expect to see cyclists, and take care.

Drive smoothly.

Give cyclists space - at least a car's width – never try to squeeze past them (see Highway Code rule 163).

Allow the cyclist room to wobble, and expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.

Always signal at roundabouts, and whenever you pass a cyclist.

Right-turning cyclists need space and time.

Park considerately, and always check for cyclists before opening a car door.

Use dipped headlights at night, cyclists experience glare too.

More info on safe urban cycling techniques - how to ride safely in Boston traffic - or anywhere, by John Allen of the Bicycle Coalition of Massachusetts. Contains sound advice and useful tips, though written for a US audience, so reverse left and right turn advice for cycling on UK roads.