The Best Guide for the Neston Area

It should be a legal requirement to wear bright clothing and use lights even in daylight. Too many riders wear dark outfits which disguise them especially in shadows on bright sunny days.

I've done the survey. I think the A540 should have a shared-use path: dual carriageways are dangerous for cyclists, and many have been killed or injured. Somehow money was found for a path along the A5117, when Powey Lane was an ideal alternative.
I agree with Snapdragon that cyclists should wear bright clothing, but prefer education to law, and not sure about lights in daytime.

I agree with both previous comments and belonging to a British Cycle Club would be beneficial especially if it carries insurance for its members.

Hi all,
I've included an excerpt from the Highway code below.

Please pay particular attention to Rules 64/66/69 and 71.

It sometimes helps to 'remind' ourselves of the requirements.
Lets all stay safe and not have any unnecessary visits A&E. They are very busy at the moment!!!

HIGHWAY CODE
Rules for cyclists (59 to 82)


These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the motorway section). See also You and your bicycle.

Overview (rules 59 to 71),

RULE 59 Help yourself to be seen
Clothing. You should wear a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark.

RULE 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

RULE 61
Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

RULE 62
Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.


RULE 63
Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

RULE 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.


RULE 65
Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.

RULE 66
You should keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
not ride close behind another vehicle
not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.

RULE 67
You should look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do (see ‘Signals to other road users’)
look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid them. Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path
be aware of traffic coming up behind you
take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming features
take care when overtaking

RULE 68
You MUST NOT carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one
hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.

RULE 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

RULE 70
When parking your cycle find a conspicuous location where it can be seen by passers-by
use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever possible
do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to other road users
secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an obstruction or hazard.

RULE 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic.

Snapdragon - I agree that wearing some bright clothing (or high viz) is sensible, but I don't think daytime lights are necessary. Most cyclist vehicle collisions occur because either the driver or the cyclist hasn't looked (usually at a junction) rather than because the cyclist can't be seen.

Generally I avoid A roads, as they do feel less safe and are generally unpleasant, due to the amount of noise generated by the traffic. Most of the time I feel safe on other roads, but there a minority of drivers who overtake cyclists too closely. The current highway code rule 163 states that when overtaking 'give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car'. This is somewhat ambiguous IMO, although the diagram is clearer. The police interpret this as a clearnce of 1.5m or 5' which means on most roads it's not possible to overtake a cyclist if there is oncoming traffic, but many drivers will try to squeeze passed with a clearance of 1'-2' without using the opposite lane. This is hazardous, if the cyclist has to avoid a pothole or is caught by a gust of wind. The proposed changes to the highway code will specify 1.5m (increasing to 2m above 30mph and for HGV's).
On more major roads, vehicles joining roundabouts can be hazard to cyclists already on them. The problem is that drivers tend to be looking for cars on the roundabout and will not see a cyclist, even if the cyclist is very close to them.

I've completed the questionnaire, which I didn't find easy as many are multiple choice where no answer is appropriate. I assume the police can't improve cycle infrastructure, so they're more concerned with driver education (close pass overtakes, adequate observation at junctions, particularly roundabouts and driving at a speed where you can stop within the distance you can see ahead). As the police will attend whenever a cyclist is injured, they must have good statistics on where and why accidents happen. The survey is perhaps more concerned about where cyclists feel unsafe rather than where they actually are unsafe. They may also intend some cyclist education. e.g. using the primary position to block traffic when it's unsafe to be overtaken.

If this questionnaire saves one persons life then it is definitely worth the time and effort.

Thank you Commissioner David Keane