WEDNESDAY, August 15, is National Cycle to Work Day. As its often cheaper, quicker and certainly healthier to commute by bike rather than in a car, why not give it a try?

You’ll find lots of useful information and offers and prizes at cyclingtowork.org , but here’s a few top tips for negotiating traffic safely.

LEAVE THAT LORRY ALONE

Never undertake a lorry on the left, especially at a junction and even if there’s a cycle lane. If you do you’ll be in the driver’s blind spot and if the lorry turns you have no escape.

MAKE EYE CONTACT

Making eye contact with other road users, particularly at junctions and roundabouts is a good way of checking the driver has seen you.

LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER

Regularly check what’s happening behind you. Always look behind before signaling or changing your road position.

LOOK AHEAD

Look well ahead for hazards such as potholes and parked cars, so you don’t have to suddenly swerve to avoid them. It also helps in prepare and position yourself safely for junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights.

GET OUT OF THE GUTTER!

Cycle at least 1 metre from the kerb and further out if its not safe for a vehicle to pass. In this position you’re more visible to drivers, you avoid hazards such as debris, potholes and grates and it’s easier to get out of harm’s way if a vehicle passes too close.

DON’T BE FLOORED BY CAR DOORS

Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles in case they pull out and watch out for doors being opened.

MAKE YOUR INTENTIONS CLEAR

Signal and manoeuvre well in advance and only when its safe to do so.

COVER YOUR BRAKES

Keep your hands on your brake levers, so you’re always ready to use them. Always use both brakes at the same time. Take extra care when it is wet or icy.

LIGHTS

When dark or there is bad visibility you must, by law, have lights on the front and rear of your bike. Contrary to what a lot of people think having a bell, donning hi-viz and wearing a helmet aren’t legal requirements. For your safety and that of others on the road it does however make a lot of sense to have all three.

LOVE YOUR BIKE!

Surprisingly the vast majority of cycling injuries don’t involve another vehicle. They’re either down to the skills of the cyclist or the fact that their bike and especially the brakes haven’t been maintained properly. So as you get your bike out of the shed or garage check everything’s working correctly. If its not, give it a service.