Sharing the Roads
Positive interaction between all road users is key to making sure that everyone who uses the road understands each other's needs and fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, along with others who are not in a vehicle - such as horse riders, runners and walkers.
Below are our top tips for building positive interaction with other road users, consider them the next time you’re out on the road either training or competing.
Be aware of what is around you and other road users, and consider potential scenarios and what action you might need to take - Every year more than 100 cyclists die on roads in Britain (Department for Transport 2017)
Don’t make any rash or sudden movements on your bike, and give other road users enough time to get around you safely - Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do (Rule 67, The Highway Code)
Try to make eye contact and thank other road users where possible - If the other road user is not looking at you, they may not have seen you! (www.britishcycling.org.uk)
Help other road users out - let them know when the road is clear and safe to pass, especially on rural lanes - The highest proportion of road deaths occurred on rural roads (51%) (www.brake.org)
All road users are equal on the road so keep rules in mind, pass horses slowly and give a wide berth - Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard; they can be unpredictable, despite the efforts of their rider/driver. (Rule 215, The Highway Code) (www.bhs.org.uk)
Further advice for Cyclists
Horses and Horse Riders
The British Horse Society has put together some guidance for cyclists when sharing the road with horses and their riders to improve the relationship between both groups by working together.
Motorcyclists and Drivers
Both Brake, the road safety charity and RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, have produced a number of resources aimed at riders of motorcycles and drivers of cars and other vehicles: