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Top tips for staying safe whilst cycling in summer
22 July 2021
Warm and sunny summer days tend to see a surge in people taking to the road on their bikes. Whether you are cycling as part of your daily commute or for leisure, it is important to know how to stay safe on the roads in the heat.
Read our advice for safe cycling this summer below:
Follow the Highway Code
First and foremost it is essential to familiarise yourself with the Highway Code. Being unaware of what road signals, signs and markings mean can lead to an accident which may endanger other road users and yourself.
Make clear hand signals
When approaching a junction it is important to make it clear to other road users which way you intent to turn by giving the appropriate hand signals. Make eye contact with other road users and position yourself safely on the road to move off when it is safe to do so.
Be aware of other vehicles
When cycling in traffic make sure you are aware of other vehicles around you, and of your own visibility on the road. When filtering through slow moving traffic be especially careful when riding past larger vehicles including lorries, buses and vans which have limited visibility. Do not attempt to overtake a large vehicle from the inside as if the driver turns left this could lead to a serious collision.
Wear a helmet
Always wear a helmet when cycling. Although it is not enforceable by law to do so, wearing a helmet can help to prevent serious head and brain injuries, and can even make the difference between life and death.
Wear high visibility clothing
Wearing high visibility clothing will help yourself to be seen on the roads, especially when driving late at night or early in the morning. Being visible to other motorists can help to prevent cycling accidents.
Wear sun cream
Being out for hours on the bike in the sun can lead to severe sunburn if you’re not careful. Make sure to wear and SPF of at least factor 30 to the exposed parts of your body. Cyclists need to pay particular attention to their face, back of the neck and legs.
Keep hydrated
An obvious one but it is essential to keep hydrated when cycling in the heat. It is recommended to drink water throughout your journey, rather than just at the start or end of your ride. If you start to feel too hot stop where it is safe to do so, seek shade and have a drink to cool down.
Be aware of road surfaces
Particularly high temperatures can cause damage to road surfaces. Tarmac can start to melt leading to sticky and slippery roads. Tar can also become stuck to your tyres which can cause damage to your bike.
Wear the right clothing
Wear clothing that will help to keep you as cool as possible. Lightweight clothing with moisture wicking technology will help to stop the build up of sweat and keep you cool.
Cycling accident solicitors
True Solicitors have been handling road traffic accident claims for over 25 years. We have recovered compensation for cyclists who have suffered a range of injuries from minor cuts and bruises, to fractured bones, ligament and tendon damage, to serious head and brain injuries.
If you have been injured in a cycling accident in the last three years that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make a claim. We will handle your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Call us on 0344 854 7000 or submit your details below and we will call you back at a suitable time.
