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Road Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Contents
- Introduction
- Pedestrian Safety
- Safety for Cyclists
- Cycle Training
- Safe Cycling Scheme
- Useful Links
- Contact
Walking and Cycling are two of the healthiest ways to get around Ceredigion, whether travelling to work, school, the shops, or just to get out and about. However, pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable on the roads. This page gives advice and information on how to remain safe.
There are a number of simple steps that Pedestrians can take to remain safe on Ceredigion's roads:
- Wear bright clothing. Darker clothes make it harder for drivers to notice you, particularly at night
- Always walk on the pavement where possible. If you have to walk on the road, remain in single file and keep close to the right-hand side of the road to face oncoming traffic
- When crossing the road, ensure you look both ways and pay attention to traffic. Don't cross the road while talking on the phone, or listening to music
- Cross the road at a safe place. use Pelican, Zebra or Toucan crossings where possible. Never cross between parked cars, if it can be helped
- Ensure you follow the advice given in The Green Cross Code, and The Highway Code
There are a number of ways in which Cyclists can improve their safety on Ceredigion's roads. Rules 59-82 of the Highway Code give a number of ways that Cyclists can, and in some cases, must, take actions to improve both their safety, and the safety of other road users. These include, but are not limited to:
- Ensuring your bicycle is equipped with a front white light and a rear red light and that these items be switched on at night
- Ensuring that your bicycle is equipped with a red rear reflector, and amber/yellow pedal reflectors
- Riding on the road, rather than the pavement. Riding on the pavement is an offence
- Taking care when turning, riding in bus lanes, moving past or near traffic
- Keeping both hands on the handlebars, unless signalling or changing gears
Cyclists should also ensure that they have the right gear for cycling. Helmets should be snug and secure, clothing should not be so loose that it may become trapped in the bike's chain or wheels, and should also be bright or reflective, in order to help drivers see you at night.
Proper bike maintenance is also an integral part of Cycling Safety. Before setting off, please check that:
- Your saddle is at the correct height. When stopped, you should be able to comfortably stand above the frame with both feet on the ground
- Your brakes are fully functioning, and the cable isn't frayed
- Both tyres are fully-inflated, and puncture-free
- Your chain has not slipped, and does not catch when you move the pedals. Your chain should be kept well-oiled and free from rust
If you are concerned about performing maintenance on your bike, visit your local bike shop for advice. You will also be given lessons on bike maintenance if you attend Cycle Training.
For more information, please see The Highway Code's Rules for Cyclists.
For information to help people of all ages to get on your bike and start cycling, please read the attached 'Get Cycling Ceredigion' magazine. This magazine also includes guidance on cycle maintenance and safety and a map of the Ystwyth Trail - a 21-mile (34 km) multi-use trail linking Aberystwyth, Llanfarian, Ystrad Meurig and Tregaron with lots of off-road sections for safe, family friendly cycling.
Cycle Training is a useful way for both children, and adults who haven't cycled for a while, to increase their understanding of cycling and cycle safety.
Safe Cycling Training for adults is a three tier training scheme to teach the individual how to cycle safely and confidently on the road with respect for other road users. The three different levels are as follows:
Level 1 - conducted in a controlled environment away from roads and traffic. This provides basic cycling skills including, starting and stopping, maneuvering, signaling and using the gears.
Level 2 - On-road training for those who have completed Level 1 and are ready to progress; it gives real cycling experience and makes trainees feel safer and capable of dealing with traffic on short commuting journeys or for short leisure rides.
Level 3 - develops the basic skills and trains riders to make journeys in a variety of traffic conditions competently, confidently and consistently. Cyclists reaching the Level 3 standard will be able to deal with all types of road conditions and more complex situations. The course covers dealing with hazards, making 'on-the-move' risk assessments and planning routes for safer cycling.
The Safe Cycling Scheme aims:
To reduce the number of child cyclists injured in Ceredigion every year.
- Create an awareness of the need and importance of cycle training/education.
- To develop observation and manoeuvrability skills.
- To encourage the use of protective clothing and headgear.
- To prepare younger riders for on-road training.
- To highlight to parents the importance of cycle training.
Each year in Ceredigion more than 600 primary school pupils participate in the Safe Cycling Scheme. Trainees are introduced to the Highway Code for young road users; learn about cycle maintenance, conspicuity and the wearing of protective headgear. If you require any further details please Contact the Road Safety Section – 01545 572409 and ask for Mr Malcolm Charlton – Safe Cycling coordinator.
Research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), has shown that young riders benefit more from on-road training; and we in Ceredigion believe we are giving our children the best form of training available. We find children who have undertaken this type of training are more confident cyclists, even those with little on-road experience. It assists them to regognise and anticipate potential hazards and to take appropriate action to avoid them, as well as developing perceptions of speed and distance in their normal riding environment, whereas off road training sometimes makes it difficult for the trainees to transfer the skills they have learnt to real traffic situations.
Training is conducted on quiet local roads, in close proximity to the school, where simple manoeuvres such as left and right turns, overtaking a parked car etc, can be carried out. To be eligible for training all pupils should have reached the age of 10 (year 5).
Pupils progress will be constantly monitored during regular lessons, and upon completion of the course the young riders will be awarded with a Certificate to show they have participated in the training, there is no pass or fail as was the case some years ago.
- Tel: 01545 572409
- Email: hpw@ceredigion.gov.uk
- Address: Road Safety Section, County Hall, Market Street, Aberaeron, SA46 0AT