Tips for safe cycling

Safety is an important consideration when cycling in the countryside and on Kent's roads. Follow these simple tips and enjoy safe cycling in Kent.

• Tell someone where you are going
• Carry a map of the route and mobile phone
• Take a lock and chain
• Look where you are going and signal before you start, stop or turn
• Get off and walk where necessary
• Follow the highway code, even on traffic-free routes and understand road signs and markings
• Give way to walkers and horse riders
• Be sensible about your capabilities
• Drink plenty of water and apply strong sunscreen
• Keep your bike roadworthy and well maintained - particularly the brakes and steering
• Make sure your tyres are in good condition and pumped up properly
• Use front and rear lights at night and fit rear red reflector and amber reflectors on the pedals
• Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night
• Fit a bell to your bike to make other road users aware of you
• Wear a cycle helmet - one that conforms to current regulations
• Ride in single file when the roads are narrow and never ride more than two abreast.

Travelling by train

• Be prepared to carry your bicycle, not all stations have lifts or escalators linking platforms, so you will need to use bridges and subways to make some connections.
• Avoid the rush hour, bicycles may not be permitted on certain trains during peak travel and it will also save you money. For more information, visit the Cycling by train pages on the National Rail website.

• Take advantage of training to build your traffic awareness skills, boost your confidence and keep you safer. learn about cycle safety training for year six pupils in Kent schools.