Cycle Training: Bike tips
The Cycle Training Team at British Cycling work with Bikeability to ensure the necessary skills of safe riding are delivered to as many adults and children as possible.
With the roads geting busier, Bikeability training teaches the life-long skills of safe cycling, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle, boosting confidence and developing independance.
It's not always easy or obvious to know where to ride on the road so to kick off a new series of practical advice, we have outlined 10 bits of guidance that will help you whenever you're on your bike.
This week we've outlined the Primary and Secondary road positions.
The Primary Road Position
1. The Primary road position is that of the general flow of the traffic (i.e. in the centre of the lane)
2. Riding in the Primary position is sometimes called taking the lane as the cyclist takes the position normally taken by the motorist
3. Contrary to what inexperienced cyclists may think, this is where they are often safer as it is where they can most easily see and be seen
4. When riding in the Primary position, you should travel at a reasonable speed as part of traffic flow
5. If traffic is building up behind you and the road ahead is clear, you may wish to move to the secondary position to avoid obstructing other road users unnecessarily
The Secondary Road Position
6. The Secondary road position is roughly 1 metre to the left of traffic flow and not less than 0.5 metres from the edge of the road
7. Taking this position may be appropriate if the road is wide enough to allow safe overtaking and the rider's safety is not reduced by riding in this position
8. The correct choice of road position can be used to help riders affect driver behaviour in order to help avoid collisions with other road users or to avoid having to brake suddenly
9. The secondary position is useful on most minor roads where there are few parked cars
10. It is also particularly appealing to beginners as it leaves them closer to the perceived safety of the pavement
Bikeability is cycling proficiency for the 21st Century. The three levels of the course teach adults and young people to ride safely and confidently on modern roads.
There is also a range of job opportunities available with Bikeability via British Cycling's Instructor Training courses.
If you would like to learn more about Bikeability and the courses we run, please contact cycletraining@britishcycling.org.uk
Alternatively, call the Cycle Training Team on: 0161 274 2129
