Vale Royal Community Safety Partnership

As a cyclist you are more vulnerable than other road users, but by taking some simple precautions you can reduce the risk of accidents or injury. Helmets should always be worn, even on short journeys. You should only buy a helmet if it complies with the relevant British Standards.

Try the helmet on before you buy it. It should fit comfortably and should sit level across your forehead without obscuring your view. If you want to improve your cycling skills, you can take part in one of the cyclist training courses available to young people and adults.

Look after your bike, check moving parts regularly and give special attention to tyres, brakes and lights. Have your bike serviced regularly. This doesn't cost a fortune.

It is against the law to cycle at night without front and rear lights and a red reflector. Keep them clean and if they are battery operated, check the batteries before each journey.

You should always wear reflective bands both day and night to increase visibility. If your bike has a bell, use it but don't assume everyone can hear you. Still exercise caution when using shared cycle paths.

Keeping Your Bike Yours

Cheshire has long been recognised as a safe place with some of the lowest crime levels in the country. Despite this more than 1,000 bicycles are reported stolen every year and, of the eight per cent that are recovered, most are auctioned simply because there's no way of knowing who the owners are.

There are some very simple things you can do to deter opportunist thieves from stealing your bike. Mark the frame of your bike with your Postcode. Thieves are put off if they know a bike is post coded.

Never leave your bike unlocked - even if you're just popping into a shop for a short period of time. The best kind of lock is a quality solid steel D-shaped shackle lock. You can buy these at any bike shop. Look out for locks with their own compensation insurance scheme.

Always lock your bike to something solid like a lamp post or railings, preferably in a public area. If you have quick release wheels, take off the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel. If you have a pump or detachable lights take them with you when you leave your bike. Make sure you have adequate insurance cover for your bike.

Planning Your Journey

Before setting out on a cycle ride always give some thought to your journey to ensure it will be safe and enjoyable. Wherever possible use cycle lanes. Take care and remember that these are often shared with horse riders and pedestrians. If you have to cycle on the road, try to use side streets to avoid very busy roads. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts and use clear hand signals. Always double check it is safe before joining a main road. Cycle in single file on busy or narrow roads. Remember, it is against the law to cycle on pavements (unless shared), or through red lights and down One-way streets the wrong way.

If your bike is stolen, you should report the theft to the police and give them your bicycle record form.

Cycling is an enjoyable way of exercise. Follow the above tips and you will keep your bike and stay safe.

Cycle Security