As the days are getting longer & brighter, cycling is a common way to go from A to B on a day to day basis. It’s great exercise, it’s cheap, eco friendly and it cuts down on travel time, especially during rush-hour.

But as cyclists we are also a vulnerable category of road user. Every year there are several cycling fatalities on Irish public roads and countless collisions involving Cyclists. So when Cycling on the public road to avoid risk of death or severe injuries you can follow our advice:

1. Never cycle in the dark without adequate lighting: (white for front & red for rear)
2. Always wear luminous clothing such as hi-vis vests, fluorescent armbands and reflective belts so that other road users can see you in good time.
3. Wear a helmet

• Make sure that you keep to the left. Be aware of others roads users, look behind & give proper signal (before moving off, changing lanes or turning right & left)

• Follow the rules of the road, stop at traffic lights as every roads users: (do not weave unpredictably in or out of traffic)

• Insure that your bike is road worthy: (brakes should work properly, tyres should be inflated to the right pressure & be in good condition)

• Respect other road users: (do not go in conflict with motorists)

1. Stop at pedestrian crossings: (do not cycle on the footpath)
2. Watch your speed, especially when cycling on busy streets and going downhill (always travel a speed that you can stop within any hazard)

• Allow trucks to clear junctions specially when they are turning left: (let them turn before you move ahead)Yet, like many activities, cycling can be dangerous, as a parents we are playing an important role to minimise the risk by giving them proper guidance and good instruction at an early age to ensure that basic safety rules are absorbed at a young age. Do’s and don’ts of safe cycling for children

1. Do ensure that they:
3. As Parents or Guardians it is our responsibility that when children are using bikes for the first time and learning to ride that they are safe. Cycling is fun, sociable and like swimming a life-skill that stands to them in later years.

• Cycle a bike matched to their height and experience
• Wear a safety helmet
• Use lights in dark or dusky conditions

Don’t allow them to:

• Cycle on public roads unsupervised (if under 12)
• Wear loosely-worn scarves or other clothing that could get caught in the wheels or chain-set
• Take unnecessary risks

Thank you for reading our blog from Castletown School of Motoring.

Enjoy cycling as the summer is on its way, safe journey home

Castletown School of Motoring

ADI 35371

Francis