Have you ever had a near miss? Maybe a cyclist got a bit too close while you were walking? Or maybe a driver got a bit too close while you were cycling?
Here at BACC we want cycling to have the best possible image, and that means we want everyone who rides a bike around Bridgwater to think of others when doing so. Many people are too quick to tarnish all cyclists with the same brush, saying things like, “They always jump red lights” and “You never use the bike lanes anyway.” We know not all cyclists behave that way, just as there are good and bad examples of driving.
But we do expect everyone to ride with care and respect, especially for those more vulnerable like pedestrians. Bad cycling makes drivers angry, and fuels the division between ‘us’ and ‘them’. (There is no ‘us and them’, of course – we’re all just people trying to get from A to B.)
If you’re cycling on a shared route like the one pictured above, or on the canal towpath, you should always give space to pedestrians, dog walkers, people with buggies. Remember, dogs and young children can move unpredictably. So slow down a bit. Ring your bell, or call a friendly ‘hello!’
This Towpath Code of Conduct is a great guide.
What about cycling on the road, then? Surely everyone else should be looking out for bikes? Well, yes, but…
As anyone who’s ever ridden around Bridgwater knows, there are many excellent drivers, but others aren’t always 100% switched on. Always keep your wits about you!
It’s important to have a good understanding of the Highway Code – not just the sections on cycling, mind – all of it. This means you’ll be able to anticipate drivers’ manoeuvres, and give them fair warning of yours. You should always check all around before making your move, and use correct hand signals when turning.
Making eye contact with other road users is a really underrated but important tool, as it gives you both a chance to gauge what the other is about to do, and avoid any mishaps.
If you’re not a driver yourself, or if you need a confidence boost, it can be really helpful to do a Bikeability course (formerly Cycling Proficiency). They’re available for adults and kids, and will teach you vital skills like proper road positioning and how to negotiate junctions and roundabouts.
