AI quick summary
- Ride predictably and visibly — take a confident lane position when needed and never hug the gutter out of fear.
- Signal intentions, make eye contact, and assume drivers haven't seen you until proven otherwise.
- Scan constantly, read hazards early, and brake before corners — not in them.
/ 01
Positioning: don't hug the kerb
Where you ride in the lane shapes how traffic treats you. Riding a metre or so out from the kerb (the 'secondary position') keeps you clear of debris, drain covers, and opening car doors, and makes you visible. When the lane is too narrow to share safely, or you're moving at traffic speed, take the centre of the lane ('primary position') so no one is tempted to squeeze past. Hugging the gutter out of fear is one of the most dangerous habits new riders have.
/ 02
Be visible and predictable
Bright kit, lights (a flashing rear light helps even in daylight), and a smooth, predictable line make you easy to see and easy to behave around. Make eye contact with drivers at junctions — if they've seen you, you know it. Sudden swerves and darting between parked cars are what get cyclists hit.
/ 03
Signal and communicate
Signal turns and lane changes clearly, in good time, and check over your shoulder before you move. A glance back tells drivers you're about to do something and lets you check it's safe. Assume you haven't been seen until you've made eye contact or a driver has clearly yielded.
/ 04
Read hazards early
Scan well ahead for potholes, gravel, drain covers, and debris, and steer around them smoothly rather than swerving at the last second. Watch parked cars for people about to open doors — ride a door's width out where you can. Brake before corners, not in them, and match your speed to what you can see.
/ 05
Junctions and turns
Most collisions happen at junctions. Take the lane through them so you're not squeezed or cut up, watch for vehicles turning across your path (the classic 'hook'), and never pass large vehicles (lorries, buses) on the near side at a junction — if you can't see their mirrors, they can't see you.
/ SOURCES