Posted on February 24, 2010 by Dave W

Do you ride your bike safely, or do you think the Highway Code is just for other road users?

Have you taken a proficiency test?

I remember many years ago at school taking my cycling proficiency test. It instilled basic safety skills into my soccer obsessed brain. Skills that whilst commonsense are necessary to teach.

In the UK the rise in popularity with cycling has not been without its problems.

Just the other day the BBC aired a current affairs programme ‘Inside Out’ which looked at the problems caused by cyclists in busy London.

Seemingly the authorities are taking a dim view of cyclists flouting the Highway Code.

Officers line the streets of London waiting to pounce on any cyclist who jumps a red light or rides the wrong way down a one way street.

Spot fines are issued to any transgressors.

Now this article is not about the rights and wrongs of cyclists flouting the Highway Code, it is about the safe operation of your bike.

Having watched the programme, some of the cycling borders on dangerous, whilst some of it seems like a safer route for the cyclist and other road users.

Let me try to explain. I do not condone riding on the pavement, UNLESS the alternative of riding on the road is dangerous.

I have been riding on narrow roads with cars parked both sides and traffic in both directions. If I continued to pass the parked cars I could be putting myself and other road users at risk. With no pedestrians using the pavement I have opted to ride round the parked cars via the pavement. Anti cycling bodies may argue I should have got off my bike and walked or waited for the cars to pass.

They may have a point, and I agree that at red lights and pedestrian crossings, if you want to use the road like a pedestrian, get off your bike.

The old Cycling Proficiency Test in the UK has been replaced with the Bikeability Scheme.

I have a 12 year old daughter who loves cycling, but is not very confident on the roads, and I can’t say I am surprised with the amount of cars and everyone in a rush not giving due care to other road users. I will get her to attend a Bikeability Training Course this summer, but who will get everyone else there?

Maybe it is the way society has become rather than any particular type of road user. Everyone is in a hurry to get where they are going and are not bothered how they get there.

Personally, I do the vast majority of my bike riding off-road. I find it more enjoyable if not always safer. Off-road cycling has other obstacles to be aware of especially when exploring the unknown.

By the way! When I say off-road I don’t mean on the pavement J

Have you any thoughts on how to improve cycling safety? Please leave your comments below.

Keep Moving

Dave W

Cycling For Fitness

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