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For cyclists

Safer cycling - what you can do

Cycling is, and can be, a fun pastime that the whole family can take part in, but it is essential to make sure that all aspects of safety have been considered before making that first bike ride. Here are some important safer cycling tips:

• Cycle Helmets:
  Cyclists are vulnerable road users. Each year in Calderdale about 42 cyclists are killed or injured. Wearing a cycle helmet will not stop you having an accident, but it will reduce the risk of serious head injuries by 85%.
• Be Safe, Be Seen:
  Wear something that is both reflective (night time) and fluorescent (day time) so that you can be seen easily at all times.
• Before you set off, make sure your bike is in good working order:
  
  • Reflectors and Lights: Are they fitted and working? Carry a rear emergency light.
  • Tyres: Are they inflated with good tread? Look out for bald patches.
  • Brakes: Do they work? Look out for worn brake blocks and disc pads or badly adjusted brakes.
• Plan your journey:
  Where possible, keep away from busy junctions and roads. If in doubt walk your bike.
• Road awareness:
  Make sure you keep looking all around you and give clear signals of intent for your safety and that of other road users.

Cycling proficiency courses

Practical courses that help children develop their cycle control skills, road safety knowledge and traffic awareness. Courses are offered to schools and are also held at various locations in the school summer holidays. For more information contact:

• Name:
• Lisa Graham
• Telephone:
• 01422 392120.

Family cycle training

Nationwide surveys have shown that a child's preferred mode of transportation is cycling. Cycling is good for your heart, lungs and all-round fitness as well as being completely pollution free! To help you to teach your child to cycle safely we can offer Road Safety Cycle Training courses to schools for parents and the children who ride with them. In the summer holidays we also offer training for adults and younger children, provided their parents attend.

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