Cycling on the road comes with a lot of responsibility. You not only need to be aware of yourself, but also of other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions. Understanding the road will help you to staysafe, and protect yourself and others from any accidents. In this blog, we aim to help you understand road markings, tyre safety and offer tips to manage road rage. We’ll also give our recommendations on road bikes, as well as cycling accessories to help keep you safe on the roads.
Road markings
Road markings act as a very useful guide for both cyclists and drivers. They help you to anticipate upcoming changes in the road layouts, as well as navigate your way across the roads better. Make sure you’re familiar with the meanings of different road markings to help ensure safety on the roads.
Cycle lanes are designated lanes for cyclists and are marked by a solid white line at the edge of the road. You do not have to stay within this line, but it acts as a guide for drivers to ensure that cycle lanes are unobstructed at all times.
‘GIVE WAY’ markings: These are marked by broken white lines at junctions or roundabouts. When approaching, you must give way to the right.
Advanced ‘STOP’ lines: These are boxed areas at traffic lights that are reserved for cyclists, you should wait here for the traffic lights to change.
‘STOP’ line at ‘STOP’ sign: Everyone must stop behind this solid line, both vehicles and cyclists.
Tyre Safety
You should always check your bike tyres before heading for a cycle to ensure they’re road safe. Inflation: Check that the tyres are suitably inflated to ensure they grip to the road. Browse our selection of bike pumps here. Punctures/splits: Never ride your bike if the tyres have any splits or cuts to them. You could invest in puncture-resistant tyres to prevent this from happening. Browse our puncture repair equipment here.
Cycling Accessories
Investing in the right, good quality cycling accessories can not only improve your ride but also enhance safety on the roads when cycling. Helmets: A properly fitted helmet is essential for protecting your head in the case of a fall or accident. They should be replaced every 3 years to ensure the foam under the plastic shell has not been compressed and is still effectively protecting your head. Browse our selection of adults helmets here.
Road Rage – Being aware of other cyclists/vehicles
Cyclists can sometimes face some backlash from drivers, but it’s essential to stay calm whilst on the roads. There are some ways you can prevent road rage encounters as a cyclist: Obey the rules: Always make sure you are following the rules of the law and road markings to prevent any drivers getting frustrated with you. Stay aware: Make sure you are aware of the road conditions and other vehicles. Minimise distractions such as mobile phones or music. Be seen: Ensure you are wearing hi-vis clothing or have lights on your bike to help others see you on the road and prevent any accidents.
Bike Recommendations
Our road and gravel bike collection is designed for cyclists who demand versatility and performance across diverse terrains. These bikes seamlessly blend the speed of road bikes with the resilience of gravel models, featuring lightweight frames, responsive handling, and wider tyres for enhanced traction on varied surfaces. They are ideal for both long-distance road rides and adventurous off-road trails, offering the perfect mix of comfort, durability, and agility. View our recommendations below:
