Tips For Staying Cycle Safe During Driving Lessons

When you are learning to drive, one of the key lessons that must stay with you at all times is the importance of being aware of the people around you. Remember that you are sharing the road with other users, so you must make the effort to drive considerately at all times, in addition to following the rules of the road.

This is particularly the case for cyclists, who are not afforded the protection that a car offers. This means that even the slightest knock can cause injury. By following these tips you will stay cycle aware, making the road a safer place for everyone who uses it.

Your Observations

The observations you carry out whenever you pull off or begin turning a corner become extremely important when you consider how failing to carry them out could cause issues for cyclists. There are occasions when a cyclist may end up in your blind spot. For example, if you are turning left at a junction and there is an approaching cyclist who is looking to turn right, you may end up hitting them with the back of your vehicle if they get their timing wrong and try to take their turn while you take yours. Always check before pulling out of any junction.

Be Considerate

The road is not simply for cars and other motorised vehicles, so it is important to remain considerate and patient when driving. Cyclists are legally required to use the road when there are no cycling lanes available, and they can be prosecuted if they choose to ride on the pavement. As such, you need not get frustrated when you see a cyclists riding alongside you. Simply make sure that you give them as much space as you can and don’t do anything that will purposefully distract them, such as shouting or using hour car’s horn.

Be Predictable

Cyclists rely on other road users to obey the rules of the road at all times. As such, if you’re driving erratically you create a hazard for the cyclist, who then has to try and anticipate what you are going to do. Not only does that make you a danger to them, but it also means that they aren’t placing as much focus as they should on their own riding. All of these issues can lead to an accident happening, so stay within speed limits, be aware of where you intend to go, signal early and be aware of the rules of the road at all times.

Stay Up To Date

The highway code is constantly being updated, so it is important to stay mindful of any changes that are made with cyclists in mind, as well as drivers. For example, you need to be aware of advance stop lines at some sets of traffic lights, particularly if there is a cycle symbol painted on the road. By stopping in the wrong place you will not only be preventing a cyclist for being where they should be when the lights change, but you may also be inadvertently breaking the law.