Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

Cycling Code

Know the Cycling Code!

On all routes

Always cycle with respect for others, whether other cyclists, pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, horse-riders or drivers and acknowledge those who give way to you.

On shared paths

  • Fit a bell and use it, don't surprise people
  • Please give way to pedestrians, leaving them plenty of room
  • Keep to your side of the dividing line
  • Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary
  • Don't expect to cycle at high speeds
  • Be careful at junctions, bends and entrances
  • Remember that many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired. Don't assume they can see or hear you
  • Give way where there are wheelchair users and horse riders

On roads

  • Always follow the Highway Code
  • Fit cycle lights and use them in poor visibility
  • Keep your bike road worthy
  • Be seen, most cycle accidents happen at junctions
  • Don't cycle on pavements except where designated; pavements are for pedestrians
  • Use you bell, not all pedestrians can see you

And in the countryside

  • Follow the Country Code
  • Respect other land management activities such as farming or forestry
  • Take litter home
  • Keep erosion to a minimum if off-road
  • Cycle within your capabilities
  • Match your speed to the surface and your skills
  • Be self sufficient carry food, bike repair kit, map and waterproofs in remote areas

Look after yourself and your bike!

  • In poor light and at night, you should use front and rear bike lights (this is a legal requirement) and wear visible/reflective clothing.
  • Cycle helmets are recommended and should fit you properly. Be sure to choose a recognised and certified brand ask your stockist for details.
  • You should have your bike serviced regularly at a professional bike shop to ensure it is roadworthy.
  • If you are training for a cycling event, start gradually, particularly if you haven't cycled before or for some time. Always stop if you feel sick or dizzy, over-tired or in pain and make sure you leave at least 30 minutes between eating and exercising.

 

Bike Safe

 

*  Always secure bicycles to a stand if available.  Otherwise use a static object such as a lamp post or railing.

*  Secure your bicycle with a good quality cycle lock.  Details of reputable companies can be found on www.soldsecure.com.

*  Marking the bicycle with your postcode and house number acts as a deterrent to theft and assists the police with identifying recovered property.

*  Register your bike at www.immobilise.com.

*  Quick release accessories are vulnerable.  Consider replacing the lever with a security bolt or remove them when leaving the bicycle.

*  Lights are made detachable so remove them before a thief does.

*  Keep a note of the bicycle frame number.  This will aid identification should the cycle be recovered by the police.

*  Store a digital photo of the bicycle in a safe place, such evidence is key when police recover property.

For further information on Cycle Theft prevention please visit the Home Office website.

Gallery
Al’s Bikes have very kindly given a Marin Bobcat Trail 7.4 to give away!
The Isle of Wight is the Lonely Planet's number one place in the world to cycle. The ubiquitous travel guide has produced a top ten of places that should be on every cyclists wishlist. The Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service Cycling Club wholeheartedly agree and invite you to join us to ride their '100 Here' sportive with a choice of two routes, the 109.5km / 68 mile (100 Here) or the CHALLENGING 171km / 106 mile (Hilly Hundred Here) which has over 3000m / 10,000 ft of climbing on Sunday 28 June.