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Youth Transport |
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Riding on the road |
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While we all want to ride on the sidewalk because it's nice and safe, only small bikes can do this (under 40cm)
This means you have to ride on the road, but don't worry, as long as you follow our advice, you'll be fine.
The suggested age for riding on the road by yourself is 11 but it's really up you and your parents. To ride on the road you have to be
responsible and good at making desicions. You should also try to become more familiar with traffic: learn how cars usually behave on the road,
how fast they move, how to deal with turns. We're here to help with that.
General Rules When riding on the road always keep as far to the left as possible without risk of falling into the gutter or banging your tire on the curb. Try to find a position where you have a good veiw of the road and other road users can clearly see you. In situations when you have to move into the center of the lane ( this is called taking the lane, see situations below) make sure to use hand signals and find a big enough gap between passing cars. Move back to the left as soon as it is safe. Two people can ride next to each other but only if they won't be holding up traffic. If this happens swap to single file and let the vehicles pass. Always try to ride in a straight line so that other road users can predict your movements. Always try to stay two seconds behind cars so you have enough time to react if they stop or swerve suddenly. wearing bright and reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users Dangerous Situations When there are cars parked on the left side of the road take the lane to make sure you are riding at least one metre away, this is incase the cars open their doors unexpectedly. You should also take the lane when the road is too narrow to allow cars to pass by you safely. Turns and Intersections Always use hand signals three seconds before turning to indicate to other road users what you are about to do. Check that they have seen you and understand what you are doing. Return you hand to the handle bar at the turn to ensure that you have control. When you reach the intersection look right and ahead, stopping if necessary, continue the turn when the road is safe. When the turn is complete check your surroundings and carefully return to the left hand side. To turn right on an intersection you will have to move across lanes of traffic, so it is important that you are seen by all road users. Take the lane as you approach the intersection and move back to the left of the road once you are past the turn. To travel straight at an intersection either use a cycle lane and if there isn't one use the lane that vehicles use for traveling straight. If there is a stream of traffic using this lane, making it dangerous for you to move into it then cycle just left of this lane. Cycle forward in a straight line obeying all signs, ready to stop if needed. When turning left keep left throughout the process. At traffic lights always make sure that you are in the right lane, and be prepared to stop give way or go. Some Traffic light intersections have a cycle area set ahead of cars, (it looks like a cycle lane acroos the traffic) wait for the light in this place so that you are more visible to cars. Intersections can be tricky, don't worry if you're nervous. You can always move onto the side walk and walk your bike past the intersection. Give Way Rules Giving Way means to let other vehicles pass. There are certain rules about who lets who pass. For example at zebra crossings cars must give way to pedestrians. If you are turning right, give way to vehicles coming towards you. If you are turning, give way to vehicles not turning. At T intersections vehicles on the terminating road (bottom of the T) must give way to vehicles on the continuing road (top of the T). Give way when you see red flashing lights, these are often found at firestations, ambulance stations, and railway crossings. Stop when you see them and stay stopped until the lights stop flashing. |
Did you know? On a road bike you can travel 4 times faster than walking while using the same amount of energy. |