Ride Safety

1

Be Visible

Wear bright clothing and use front and rear flashing day time lights. Rear red lights need to the type that really "strobe", don't kid yourself that a little button light is enough. Bear in mind that part of an accident investigation will be to establish if the driver could have "reasonably" seen you.

The club has previously gained a special reduced price deal with Exposure for their high quality super bright daytime lights. We will do so again once we get a minimum order of 10 sets together. If you are interested please contact the club secretary.

2

Reporting near misses or other incidents

It is essential that you report such incidents. While the police may not take action about one incident they can hardly ignore a pattern of offending by one driver.

Incidents can be reported using the Avon and Somerset Police website as below. Alternatively you can visit a police station in person. To be effective they will need as much info as possible, so make a note of registration plate, make, colour etc. The best evidence is provided by a bike cam, these are now very good and can include a light. One such is Cycliq Fly12.

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/accident-on-the-road/#/

In Devon it's this one.

https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crimereporting/ or if you have photographic evidence https://operationsnap.devon-cornwall.police.uk/

3

Extract from the Highway Code

Rule 66 of the Highway Code allows cyclists to ride side-by-side.

Cyclists have a right to claim the lane

It may come as a surprise to most drivers but cyclists have as much right as drivers to take up the entire lane. You will often see cyclists riding side-by-side, and you, as a driver, may think they’re being selfish by doing so. But the fact is the cyclist is actually reducing the risk of having an accident; it’s the safest way for them to cycle, particularly if there’s a blind bend, a narrowing of the road, a high risk junction, pinch point or traffic lights ahead.

Cyclists should never cycle in the gutter as it gives no room for avoiding obstacles and leaves no room to fall if an accident occurs, increasing the risk of falling into the road and potentially under the wheels of a vehicle.

Beware a left turn

Turning left is how most accidents occur. A cyclist may appear - perfectly legally - beside you while you’re waiting impatiently at a red light. It’s not at all illegal for cyclists to filter on the left or right of lanes but it is often difficult to spot them, especially when hidden by your blind spot. As you make a left, and as the cyclist intends to carry straight on, a collision may occur.

4

Reporting potholes etc.

If you report them there is a legal obligation to the authority concerned to fix them promptly.

Use the site https://www.fixmystreet.com     Very easy to use and gets straight to the responsible authority, it really does work.