Safe Cycling - Practical Matters: On Carriageway

Both cyclists and drivers have the right to use the road and share the responsibility to obey traffic rules, traffic signs, road markings and traffic light signals. They should respect each other. However, no cycling is allowed on expressways. Cycling is also not allowed on roads where a white circular traffic sign with red edge and a red diagonal line across the graphic of a bicycle or a bicycle and a pedestrian is erected. Cycling on the road is relatively more risky. You must wear your helmet and protective equipment and have all bicycle parts including the front and rear lamps properly checked before you get started. Safety must always come first if you need to ride or carry goods on the road. Take extra care and pay close attention to traffic conditions. Bicycles are relatively smaller than other vehicles and slower in speed. Cyclists should stay aware and make themselves visible to drivers for their safety. While riding on the road, you should remember to: Firstly, use the slow lane and keep to the left under safe conditions. Try to avoid potholes, water drains, road studs, manholes, drain covers and tracks. Secondly, when you come to a narrow road or are about to make a turn, you may ride in the middle of a traffic lane. Make use of a lay-by to allow other vehicles to pass. Thirdly, when passing, turning or stopping, always scan the traffic and make hand signals to alert other road users of your intentions. Fourthly, do not ride against traffic or weave in and out between vehicles. And fifthly, control your speed when you come to an inclined surface and allow room for braking. Speeding down a hill may cause you to lose control and lead to serious injuries or possibly death. At night, traffic is less busy so vehicles may travel faster, and visibility is not as good as it is in the daytime. Be sure to ride at a safe speed. Take extra care when you reach road junctions, traffic lights, roundabouts and facilities like pedestrian crossings. Make sure no vehicle or pedestrian is approaching and be prepared to slow down or stop. While waiting at a traffic light, do not wait side by side with other vehicles. It is safer to wait behind a vehicle so that the driver can see you in his mirror. At a roundabout, give way to vehicles travelling on it. When you are on a roundabout, always cycle in the centre of the outside lane. When approaching the exit, give the left turn hand signal. After leaving the roundabout, move left in the lane when it is safe to do so. Large vehicles like buses and trucks have more blind spots than other vehicles. Take extra caution when they are near and make yourself visible to the drivers. Staying far away from them will allow more room in the event of an emergency. Be aware that taxis and minibuses may stop at any time to pick up or drop off passengers. Always keep a distance from them to ensure your safety. Safety always comes first for cycling. For more information about cycling on carriageways, pleas