As the evenings draw in this autumn, cyclists are reminded to make sure they are seen by other road users.
The Safer New Forest Partnership reminds cyclists to switch on their bike lights, even in late afternoon and always in bad weather.
New Forest District Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, Cllr Jill Cleary said: “If you’re cycling and haven’t already got lights fitted to your bike, please invest in a set and remember, the law intends you to stay safe.”
She added: “Please wear a helmet and reflective clothing too, and make sure you have a bell – they could all save your life. Think ‘Can I be seen and heard?’ before you start cycling on the roads.”
Think about keeping safe on the road with this handy checklist from the Safer New Forest Partnership:
- Always wear a helmet and make sure that you and your bike can be seen in poor visibility, or at night by wearing reflective clothing. Make sure you have lights on your bike – white to the front, red to the rear.
- Look after your bike, check your tyres regularly and if something feels wrong when you’re cycling, get it checked.
- Make sure you always pay full attention when cycling, be aware of other road users. It is illegal for adults to use footpaths for cycling.
- Find out more about the New Forest’s cycle routes and road signage at newforest.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=8035
Two bike security products are now available at New Forest District Council information offices at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst; Lymington Town Hall; Hythe; Ringwood Gateway; Fordingbridge, New Milton and Totton.
- Make sure you are seen by other traffic on the road by wearing a high-visibility cover over the rucksack on your back. The neon yellow and silver cover fits snugly over your backpack, protecting it from the weather and making the cyclist easily visible by other road users. The rucksack covers are hard-wearing and cost just £4 each.
- When you want to leave your bike in a public place, lock it securely, preferably to a cycle rack. Safer New Forest sells a high quality gold standard D bike lock for £16. Securing your bike with this toughened lock will act as a visible deterrent to thieves
In addition, the Safer New Forest Partnership supports the Immobilise website www.immobilise.com where you can register your bikes and other property for free. The police then use this information to reunite stolen or lost property with its rightful owner
