Whether a daily commute or a weekend getaway, cycling is the preferred choice for many Brits, as it’s low carbon, economical and suitable for exercise. The UK’s beautiful countryside, picturesque coastline, modern and classic cities, and many places of interest are all great places to cycle. However, when cycling in the UK, you must be aware of the relevant traffic rules. There are a lot of rules and regulations about cycling in the UK compared to those in China. Today’s blog will give you some information about what you need to pay attention to when cycling in the UK.
Essential Cycling Accessories
Bike Lock
A lock should be a must for everyone who buys a bike, no one wants to have their favourite bike taken away by someone else. So for a bike, especially the expensive ones, a good lock is quite important. The most secure lock for your bike is the D-lock. However, there are many choices for this kind of lock both in terms of size and thickness, so you can choose according to your bike when you buy it!
Light and Reflective Vest
The law in the UK states that if you ride a bicycle at night, you must have a light attached to the bike and wear a Reflective Vest, which requires more than one light, the most basic being a white front light and a red rear light. The lights should be set to flashing so that cars and people, both in front and behind, can be noticed in the dark. In addition to the lights, it is also essential to have suitable reflective devices on the back of the car and the pedals so that when the motor vehicle lights shine, you can immediately see where everyone is.
Helmet
This is another item required by law in the UK to be appropriately worn! If you are caught by the police in a hurry and forget to wear a helmet, you will probably be fined. I have to say, the British people are still very aware of safety precautions.
Mudguards
Some of the bikes you buy in the UK don’t come with mudguards, so riding in the rain is not a good idea. So, if you want to avoid getting splashed all over the place, buy one and put it on.
Cycling Rules and Cautions
Unlike in China, motor vehicles and bicycles in the UK drive on the left, so when you first start cycling in the UK, you must pay attention to the direction of the good and gradually form the habit of British-style cycling. Bicycles in the UK also abide by the traffic rules of stopping at red lights, driving at green lights, prioritising pedestrians at zebra crossings, and prohibiting traffic. In some high-traffic areas or road construction, as well as safety hazards, scenic spots, etc., they do not allow bicycles to ride through, so there will be a dismount sign at the intersection, and you can push your bike when you see the sign.
Some roads in the UK have no cycle lanes, and pavements are not allowed, so you can only ride on the motorway or push your bike on the pavement if there is a lot of traffic. You cannot carry a passenger on a bicycle in the UK, and if the police catch you, you will be fined and the fine for breaking the traffic law can be £100 or more, with a maximum fine of £200. As bicycles do not have turn signals, you must use your arm to steer when you change lanes or turn so that motor vehicles can react early. Motor vehicles behind you to respond earlier.
Protecting the Bicycle
People should do
- When you first buy a bike, record the details of the bike, preferably by taking photos.
- You can make a property marking on the bike, i.e. mark the bike, preferably with one of those special “invisible pens” if you can.
- Be careful when locking your bike, preferably the tyre and frame. And be sure to lock the car on an object that is not easy to move in case the vehicle and parts are lost.
- Please don’t throw away the invoice from the purchase. Please keep it safe. Also, take out an insurance policy for the bike if necessary.
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People Shouldn’t do
- People should always lock their bikes when they go out. Otherwise, they might lose their bikes if they turn around.
- It’s best to leave your bike unlocked in a manageable place. Plenty of places in the UK are dedicated to bike parking, and it’s safer to go your bike there.
- Remember to lock your bike when you park it in your backyard, or if you can’t move it inside, it might not be there when you look at it the next day.
- When locking your car, you should close the car and remove other objects on the vehicle that can be quickly taken, such as car lights, etc.
- It is recommended not to park the car in the same place every day. Otherwise, it is easy to be targeted by thieves.
FAQ
Yes, bicycles are indeed popular in the UK. It’s estimated that 42% of people in the UK either own or have access to a bicycle. The popularity of cycling in the UK has grown significantly over recent years, with more than two million people across the country now regularly cycling.
Cambridge often tops the list due to its high percentage of residents who cycle regularly. About 33% of its residents cycle at least three times a week. Bristol is also highly regarded, with 89% of it being deemed cycle-friendly in one analysis. This city boasts over 107,084km of mapped cycle ways and nearly 2,000 cycle routes.
Cycling in the UK offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the cities and countryside, but it’s important to be aware of safety guidelines and rules for navigating the streets and roads.
