Safe cycling: stay wider of the rider
So, what happens if you get hit by a vehicle when you are cycling on a road where you are not supposed to be?
February and March generally see a congested road racing calendar across the country.
With the increase in cyclists on the roads comes an increased risk of cyclists also being hit by a vehicle.
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) launched a major Safe Cycling campaign in late 2011, striving to focus attention on a safe passing distance between vehicles and cyclists. Part of this campaign means that cyclists need to know how and where they can ride their bicycles.
Roads cyclists are not permitted to cycle on, are either freeways or areas where cycling prohibited signs are displayed.
You can ride on any other road where it makes sense to do so safely.
So, what happens if you get hit by a vehicle when you are cycling on a road where you are not supposed to be?
1. Your chances of surviving are slim and, at best, you will probably be severely injured.
2. You are committing a traffic offence and you could be charged.
3. Your insurances may not cover you or your bicycle.
Considering the above, it just doesn’t seem worth the risk.
What then? Where and how do we ride?
Motorists are asked to respect cyclists and the laws. Cyclists need to do the same. Only by riding responsibly where they are allowed to, can cyclists expect other road users to respect them.
